U.S. patent application number 11/555516 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-01 for gaming system and method of operating a gaming system having a bonus participation bidding sequence.
This patent application is currently assigned to IGT. Invention is credited to Anthony J. Baerlocher.
Application Number | 20080102920 11/555516 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39330925 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080102920 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baerlocher; Anthony J. |
May 1, 2008 |
GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING A GAMING SYSTEM HAVING A
BONUS PARTICIPATION BIDDING SEQUENCE
Abstract
A gaming system where, as players place wagers to play the
primary games of the gaming devices, a portion or percentage of the
wager placed by each player to initiate the primary game is
allocated to an accumulated value pool. A target value is based on
the average expected payout of a bonus event. In one embodiment, if
the accumulated value pool meets or exceeds the target value, a
bidding sequence is triggered. During the bidding sequence, the
central controller enables each of the players playing at the
gaming devices to place one or more bids for the opportunity to
participate in the bonus event. In one embodiment, the player who
places the highest bid participates in the bonus event and is
provided with a bonus award, wherein the bonus award may be equal
to, higher than, or lower than the winning bid.
Inventors: |
Baerlocher; Anthony J.;
(Reno, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BELL, BOYD & LLOYD LLP
P.O. Box 1135
CHICAGO
IL
60690
US
|
Assignee: |
IGT
Reno
NV
|
Family ID: |
39330925 |
Appl. No.: |
11/555516 |
Filed: |
November 1, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3244 20130101; G07F 17/3267 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A gaming system comprising: a controller; a plurality of gaming
devices configured to communicate with the controller, each gaming
device including a primary game operable upon a wager by a player;
a bonus event; and an accumulated value pool associated with the
plurality of gaming devices; said controller programmed to: (a)
accumulate amounts in the accumulated value pool based on portions
of a plurality of the wagers placed on the primary games, (b)
determine if a triggering condition occurs, wherein the triggering
condition is based at least in part on whether the accumulated
value pool reaches a target value, and (c) if the triggering
condition occurs: (i) provide a bidding sequence, wherein at least
one eligible player playing at said gaming devices is enabled to
place at least one bid, (ii) determine which of the bids placed in
the bidding sequence is a winning bid, and (iii) enable the player
who places the winning bid to participate in the bonus event,
wherein said bonus event results in a bonus award.
2. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein a player is eligible if
that player is playing at one of the gaming devices which is in
active status.
3. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein said controller is
programmed to enable each eligible player to place one bid in the
bidding sequence.
4. The gaming system of claim 3, wherein each player's bid is not
displayed to the other players.
5. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein said controller is
programmed to enable each eligible player to place a plurality of
bids in the bidding sequence.
6. The gaming system of claim 1, which is configured to display
each bid placed by each player to each of the other players.
7. The gaming system of claim 5, wherein said controller is
programmed to provide a limited amount of time during which
eligible players may place said plurality of bids.
8. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the winning bid is the
highest bid placed in the bidding sequence.
9. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein said bonus award has a
bonus value of one of: (i) a bonus value greater than the value of
the winning bid, (ii) a bonus value less than the value of the
winning bid, and (iii) a bonus value equal to the value of the
winning bid.
10. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the target value is based
on the average expected payout of the bonus event.
11. A gaming system comprising: a plurality of gaming devices, each
gaming device including a primary game operable upon a wager placed
by a player, a bonus event adapted to be provided to at least one
player playing the primary games of the gaming devices; and a
controller in communication with the plurality of gaming devices,
said controller programmed to: (i) maintain an accumulated value
pool based on at least the wagers placed on the gaming devices,
(ii) determine whether a bonus event triggering condition occurs,
(iii) if the bonus event triggering condition occurs, determine
whether to provide a bidding sequence, wherein said determination
is based at least in part on the accumulated value pool, (iv) if
the determination is made to provide the bidding sequence,
determine which of the players at the gaming devices are eligible
to participate in the bidding sequence, (v) enable each eligible
player to place at least one bid in the bidding sequence, (vi)
determine which of said placed bids is a winning bid, and (vii)
enable the player who places the winning bid to participate in the
bonus event and cause a bonus award to be provided to said
player.
12. The gaming system of claim 11, wherein a player is eligible if
that player is playing at one of the gaming devices which is in
active status.
13. The gaming system of claim 11, wherein an amount equal to a
portion of each of the wagers placed by the players to play the
primary games is added to said accumulated value pool.
14. The gaming system of claim 11, wherein the highest bid placed
by one of the players is the winning bid.
15. The gaming system of claim 11, wherein the determination of
whether to provide the bidding sequence is based at least in part
on whether the accumulated value pool meets or exceeds a target
value.
16. The gaming system of claim 15, wherein the target value is
based on an average expected payout of the bonus event.
17. A gaming system comprising: a controller; a plurality of gaming
devices configured to communicate with the controller, each gaming
device including a primary game operable upon a wager placed by a
player, an accumulated value pool associated with the plurality of
gaming devices, wherein the accumulated value pool is based on
wagers placed by players playing at said gaming devices; a bonus
event; a bonus triggering event, said controller programmed upon an
occurrence of said bonus triggering event to: (a) determine whether
said accumulated bonus pool meets or exceeds a target value, (b) if
the accumulated value pool meets or exceed the target value, enable
each eligible player playing at said gaming devices to place at
least one bid, (c) determine which of said placed bids is a winning
bid, (d) enable said eligible players to participate in the bonus
event, and (e) provide a first bonus award to the player who placed
the winning bid, and provide a second bonus award to each player
who does not place the winning bid.
18. The gaming system of claim 17, wherein said bonus event is
associated with a first multiplier and at least one second
multiplier.
19. The gaming system of claim 18, wherein the first bonus award
includes an award value modified by the first multiplier.
20. The gaming system of claim 18, wherein the second bonus award
includes an award value modified by one of the second
multipliers.
21. The gaming system of claim 18, wherein the first multiplier is
larger than each of the second multipliers.
22. The gaming system of claim 18, wherein each of the second
multipliers is equal to 1.
23. The gaming system of claim 17, wherein a player is eligible if
that player is playing at one of the gaming devices in active
status.
24. The gaming system of claim 17, wherein an amount equal to a
portion of each of the wagers placed by the players to play the
primary games is added to said accumulated value pool.
25. The gaming system of claim 17, wherein the winning bid is the
highest bid.
26. The gaming system of claim 17, wherein the target value is
based on an average expected payout of said bonus event.
27. A method of operating a gaming system, said gaming system
including a plurality of gaming devices, each including a primary
game operable upon a wager by a player, said method comprising: (a)
maintaining an accumulated value pool associated with the plurality
of gaming devices; (b) maintaining a bonus event; (c) accumulating
amounts in the accumulated value pool based on portions of a
plurality of the wagers placed on the primary games; (d)
determining if a triggering condition occurs, wherein the
triggering condition is based at least in part on whether the
accumulated value pool reaches a target value; and (e) if the
triggering condition occurs: (i) providing a bidding sequence
wherein at least one eligible player playing at said gaming devices
is enabled to place at least one bid, (ii) determining which of the
placed bids is a winning bid, and (iii) enabling the player who
places the winning bid to participate in the bonus event, wherein
said bonus event results in a bonus award.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein a player is eligible if that
player is playing at a gaming device which is in active status.
29. The method of claim 27, which includes enabling each eligible
player to place one bid in the bidding sequence.
30. The method of claim 29, which includes not displaying each
player's bid to the other players.
31. The method of claim 27, which includes enabling each eligible
player to place a plurality of bids in the bidding sequence.
32. The method of claim 27, which includes displaying each bid
placed by each player to each of the other players.
33. The method of claim 31, which includes providing a limited
amount of time during which the eligible players may place said
plurality of bids.
34. The method of claim 27, wherein the winning bid is the highest
bid placed in the bidding sequence.
35. The method of claim 27, wherein said bonus award has a bonus
value of one of: (i) a bonus value greater than the value of the
winning bid, (ii) a bonus value less than the value of the winning
bid, or (iii) a bonus value equal to the value of the winning
bid.
36. The method of claim 27, which is provided through a data
network.
37. The method of claim 36, wherein the data network is an
internet.
38. A method of operating a gaming system, said gaming system
including a plurality of gaming devices, each including a primary
game operable upon a wager by a player, said method comprising: (a)
maintaining an accumulated value pool based on at least the wagers
placed on the gaming devices; (b) maintaining a bonus event; (c)
determining if a bonus event triggering condition occurs; (d) if
the bonus event triggering condition occurs, determining whether to
provide a bidding sequence, wherein said determination is based at
least in part on the accumulated value pool; and (e) if the
determination is made to provide the bidding sequence: (i)
determining which of the players are eligible to participate in the
bidding sequence, (ii) enabling each of said eligible players to
place at least one bid in the bidding sequence, (iii) determining
which of the placed bids is a winning bid, and (iv) enabling the
player who places the winning bid to participate in the bonus
event, wherein said bonus event results in a bonus award.
39. The method of claim 38, wherein a player is eligible if that
player is playing at one of the gaming devices which is in active
status.
40. The method of claim 38, which includes adding an amount equal
to a portion of each wager placed by the players to play the
primary games to said accumulated value pool.
41. The method of claim 38, wherein the winning bid is the highest
bid.
42. The method of claim 38, which includes determining whether to
provide the bidding sequence based at least in part on whether the
accumulated value pool meets or exceeds a target value.
43. The method of claim 42, wherein the target value is based on an
average expected payout of the bonus event.
44. The method of claim 38, which is provided through a data
network.
45. The method of claim 44, wherein the data network is an
internet.
46. A method of operating a gaming system, said gaming system
including a plurality of gaming devices, each including a primary
game operable upon a wager by a player, said method comprising: (a)
maintaining an accumulated value pool associated with the plurality
of gaming devices, wherein the accumulated value pool is based on
wagers placed by players playing at said gaming devices; (b)
maintaining a bonus event triggered upon a bonus triggering event,
and upon an occurrence of said bonus triggering event: (i)
determining whether said accumulated bonus pool meets or exceeds a
target value, (ii) if said accumulated bonus pool meets or exceeds
the target value, enabling each eligible player playing at said
gaming devices to place at least one bid, (iii) determining which
placed bid is a winning bid, (iv) enabling said eligible players to
participate in the bonus event, and (v) providing a first bonus
award to the player who places the winning bid, and providing a
second bonus award to each player who does not place the winning
bid.
47. The method of claim 46, wherein said bonus event is associated
with a first multiplier and at least one second multiplier.
48. The method of claim 47, wherein the first bonus award includes
an award value modified by the first multiplier.
49. The method of claim 47, wherein the second bonus award includes
an award value modified by one of the second multipliers.
50. The method of claim 47, wherein the first multiplier is larger
than each of the second multipliers.
51. The method of claim 47, wherein each of the second multipliers
is equal to 1.
52. The method of claim 46, wherein a player is eligible if that
player is playing at one of the gaming devices in active
status.
53. The method of claim 46, which includes adding an amount equal
to a portion of each wager placed by the players to play the
primary games to said accumulated value pool.
54. The method of claim 46, wherein the winning bid is the highest
bid.
55. The method of claim 46, wherein the target value is based on
the average expected payout of said bonus event.
56. The method of claim 46, which is provided through a data
network.
57. The method of claim 56, wherein the data network is an
internet.
Description
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
or may contain material which is subject to copyright protection.
The copyright owner has no objection to the photocopy reproduction
by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure in
exactly the form it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office
patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights
whatsoever.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Gaming machines which provide players awards in primary or
base games are well known. Gaming machines generally require the
player to place or make a wager to activate the primary or base
game. In many of these gaming machines, the award is based on the
player obtaining a winning symbol or symbol combination and based
on the amount of the wager (e.g., the higher the wager, the higher
the award). Symbols or symbol combinations which are less likely to
occur usually provide higher awards.
[0003] In such known gaming machines, the amount of the wager made
on the base game by the player may vary. For instance, the gaming
machine may allow the player to wager a minimum number of credits,
such as one credit (e.g., one penny, nickel, dime, quarter or
dollar) up to a maximum number of credits, such as five credits.
This wager may be made by the player a single time or multiple
times in a single play of a primary game. For instance, a slot game
may have one or more paylines and the slot game may allow the
player to make a wager on each payline in a single play of the
primary game. Slot games with 1, 3, 5, 9, 15 and 25 lines are
widely commercially available. Thus, it is known that a gaming
machine, such as a slot game, may allow players to make wagers of
substantially different amounts on each play of the primary or base
game ranging, for example, from one credit up to 125 credits (e.g.,
five credits on each of 25 separate paylines). This is also true
for other wagering games, such as video draw poker, where players
can wager one or more credits on each hand and where multiple hands
can be played simultaneously.
[0004] Secondary or bonus games are also known in gaming machines.
The secondary or bonus games usually provide an additional award to
the player. Secondary or bonus games usually do not require an
additional wager by the player to be activated. Secondary or bonus
games are generally activated or triggered upon an occurrence of a
designated triggering symbol or triggering symbol combination in
the primary or base game. For instance, a bonus symbol occurring on
the payline on the third reel of a three reel slot machine may
trigger the secondary bonus game. When a secondary or bonus game is
triggered, the gaming machines generally indicates this to the
player through one or more visual and/or audio output devices, such
as the reels, lights, speakers, video screens, etc. Part of the
enjoyment and excitement of playing certain gaming machines is the
occurrence of the secondary or bonus game (even before the player
knows how much the bonus award will be). In other words, obtaining
a bonus award is part of the enjoyment and excitement for
players.
[0005] Certain secondary or bonus games include a group gaming
aspect wherein a plurality of players playing at linked or related
gaming devices participate in a group event for one or more bonus
events or awards. There is a continuing need to provide new and
different linked or related gaming machines. There is also a
continuing need to provide new and different gaming devices and
gaming systems which allow players to have further control over
their bonus events and awards.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present disclosure relates to gaming systems and methods
of operating gaming systems which provide a bidding sequence
wherein players compete against one another for the opportunity to
participate in a bonus event.
[0007] One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a gaming
system including a central server, central controller, or remote
host in communication with or linked to a plurality of gaming
machines or gaming devices which form a group. In operation, the
controller or central server monitors wagers placed on the primary
games of the gaming devices. In one embodiment, based at least in
part on the wagers placed on the primary games of the gaming
devices, the controller or central server determines when a bidding
sequence is triggered. In one embodiment, the bidding sequence is
triggered when an amount in an accumulated value pool meets or
exceeds an average expected value of the bonus event. Once the
bidding sequence is triggered, the controller or central server
enables each player playing at a gaming device in the group to
place one or more bids on the opportunity to participate in the
bonus event. Once the bidding sequence is complete, the central
controller identifies the player who is the winning bidder (i.e.,
the player who placed the winning bid in the bidding sequence) and
accepts payment from that player to fund the winning bid. The
winning bidder participates in the bonus event and is provided with
any award resulting from the bonus event, wherein the provided
award may be higher than, lower than, or equal to the winning
bid.
[0008] In one embodiment, each of the linked gaming devices in the
group includes a primary game operable upon a wager placed by a
player. Each gaming device may have one or a plurality of different
primary games. The primary games of each gaming device may be the
same games or different games.
[0009] In one embodiment, the central controller tracks the total
or partial coin-in or wagers placed on the primary games for each
of the gaming devices in the gaming system. As players play the
gaming devices, a percentage or portion of each wager placed to
play the primary game is dedicated to the accumulated value pool
associated with the group of gaming devices. In one embodiment, the
central server determines when a bidding sequence will occur based,
at least in part, on the accumulated amount in the accumulated
value pool. In one such embodiment, the bidding sequence is
triggered when the accumulated value pool is sufficiently funded to
meet the average expected payout of the bonus event.
[0010] In one embodiment, the accumulated value pool accumulates
based on player coin-in or amounts wagered on the plays of the
primary games of the gaming machines in the gaming system. In
another embodiment, the accumulated value pool accumulates in
coin-in chunks. In one such embodiment, a coin-in chunk is a total
amount of coin-in from the end of a first time interval to the end
of a second time interval. In another embodiment, a coin-in chunk
is an amount of coin-in. For each collected coin-in chunk, the
amount of coin-in associated with the collected coin-in chunk is
added to the accumulated value pool.
[0011] In other embodiments, the accumulated value pool includes
any unaccounted for portions of the amounts in one or more previous
accumulated value pools from one or more previous bonus event(s).
This is sometimes referred to herein as a remainder, as discussed
in more detail below. In another embodiment, the accumulated value
pool includes winning bids or portions of winning bids from
previous bidding sequences. In one such embodiment, a winning bid
or portion of that bid is refunded back to the accumulated value
pool to help fund the next bonus event, as will also be discussed
in more detail below. It should be appreciated that the accumulated
value pool may accumulate in any other suitable manner, or any
combination of the above ways.
[0012] In one embodiment, as described above, the central server
determines when a bidding sequence will occur based, at least in
part, on the accumulated amount in the accumulated value pool. In
one such embodiment, the bidding sequence is triggered when the
accumulated value pool is sufficiently funded to meet the average
expected payout of the bonus event. In one embodiment, the central
controller determines a target value based on the average expected
payout of the bonus event. The target value is calculated and
adjusted based on the type of bonus event and the average expected
payout associated with the bonus event. That is, if one or more
aspects of the bonus event changes, such as the number of possible
awards in the bonus event, the target value may change accordingly.
When the accumulated value pool associated with the group of gaming
devices is at or above the determined target value, the central
controller causes the triggering of the bidding sequence.
[0013] In one example embodiment, the bonus event includes a wheel
having a plurality of sections. Each of the sections is associated
with one or more awards. The average expected payout of the wheel
is based on the awards associated with the wheel. One or more
section indicators are associated with the wheel, and each
indicator indicates one of the sections on the wheel after that
wheel has been activated or spun. In one embodiment, each of the
sections has the same or substantially the same probability of
being indicated after the wheel has been activated. In an
alternative embodiment, each of the sections or a plurality of the
sections of the wheel are weighted differently to yield a desired
average expected payout for that wheel.
[0014] In this example embodiment, the central controller
determines the target value for the accumulated value pool based on
the average expected payout of the wheel. In one embodiment, the
target value required to trigger the bidding sequence is equal to
the average expected payout of the wheel associated with the bonus
event. For example, if the average expected payout of the wheel is
400, the accumulated value pool must meet or exceed a target value
of 400 to trigger the bidding sequence.
[0015] Once the accumulated value pool meets or exceeds the
required target value, the central controller triggers the bidding
sequence wherein players compete against one another for the
opportunity to participate in the bonus event. In other words, the
central controller enables the players playing at a gaming device
to place one or more bids on the opportunity to participate in the
bonus event. In one embodiment, if not enough players are playing
at the gaming devices, a player bids against the gaming machine
during the bidding sequence rather than competing against other
players. In one such embodiment, the player must bid above a
designated level or threshold to win the opportunity to participate
in the bonus event. In one embodiment, the designated level or
threshold may be predetermined, randomly determined, or determined
in any other suitable manner.
[0016] In one embodiment, there is minimum bid amount that a player
can bid in the bidding sequence (e.g., all bids must have a value
of at least 10 monetary units). In one embodiment, there is a
maximum amount that a player can bid. That is, each player can bid
up to a limited amount. In one such embodiment, the amount that a
player has wagered on the primary game has an impact on the maximum
bid amount that that player can bid up to. In other embodiments,
the amount that a player can bid up to is randomly determined,
predetermined, or determined in any other suitable manner.
[0017] In certain embodiments, the bonus event that the players are
bidding on is a game event, such as a progressive, a bonus game, a
free spin, a free game, or any other suitable type of game event.
In one embodiment, the bonus event includes a wheel associated with
one or a plurality of indicators. In such embodiments, the players
involved in the bidding sequence are bidding on one or more of the
indicators associated with the wheel. In an alternative embodiment,
rather than bidding on the opportunity to participate in the bonus
event, players are bidding on a multiplier which is applied to the
bonus event. In one embodiment, the players are playing the same or
different bonuses to which the multiplier is applied. The bonus
event may be randomly determined, predetermined, or determined in
any other suitable manner by an implementer or designer of the
gaming system.
[0018] In one embodiment, the highest bid placed during the bidding
sequence is the winning bid. In this embodiment, the player that
places the highest bid wins the opportunity to participate in the
bonus event. Alternatively, multiple players can win the bidding
sequence. For example, the top 3 bidders win the opportunity to
participate in the bonus event.
[0019] It should be appreciated that, during the bidding sequence,
the players are bidding below what they think the bonus event is
worth. Thus, the player's feel as though they are getting value for
their money. However, the bonus event may result in a bonus award
that is equal to, higher than, or lower than the winning bid. This
adds an element of risk to the bidding sequence of the present
disclosure.
[0020] In various alternative embodiments, once the central
controller determines which player or players have placed winning
bids, the winning bid can be funded from a credit meter, from a
player's loyalty points, from a cash-in placed after the bid, or
debited from a player's account, charged to a credit card, or any
other suitable form of payment. In certain embodiments, one or more
of these payment methods could be applied simultaneously or
substantially simultaneously to fund the winning bid. If cash-in
after the bid is the form of payment used to fund the winning bid,
in one embodiment, appropriate time restrictions apply that award
the bonus opportunity to the runner up in the bidding sequence
(i.e., the player who placed the second highest bid) if the player
who placed the winning bid does not make payment within the time
window.
[0021] In one embodiment, a player can use bidding credits to fund
the bid. In one such embodiment, bidding credits are accumulated
based on events that occur during primary game play. In different
embodiments, bidding credits are awarded to the player based on
symbol driven events, player coin in, time of play, player status,
any other suitable aspect, or any combination of the above. For
example, in one embodiment, bidding credits are awarded for
obtaining designated symbol combinations during play of the primary
game.
[0022] It should be appreciated that, in one such embodiment,
players may not use bidding credits to place wagers on a play of
the primary game. Rather, bidding credits are used to fund winning
bids from a bidding sequence. If a high bidder uses bidding credits
to fund the bid, that player participates in the bonus event at no
cost. In one embodiment, bidding credits are stored on the gaming
device. In one such embodiment, any bidding credits accumulated
through playing the primary game are lost if the player playing at
that gaming device does not use the accumulated bidding credits to
fund a bid. In another embodiment, bidding credits are stored on a
player tracking card.
[0023] The bidding sequence of the present disclosure can be
applied in several different embodiments. In one embodiment where
the bonus event includes a wheel, the wheel is associated with a
plurality of indicators. In this embodiment, when the bidding
sequence is triggered, the central controller provides each of the
players playing at a gaming device the opportunity to bid on one or
more of the indicators. In this embodiment, to trigger the bidding
sequence, the accumulated value pool associated with the group of
gaming devices must be sufficient to fund an average expected value
for each available indicator. For example, if the average expected
payout for the wheel is 400 and the wheel has three available
indicators, the accumulated value pool must achieve a target value
of 1200 (i.e., 400.times.3) to trigger the bidding sequence. In one
such embodiment, once the bidding sequence is triggered, each of
the indicators has a separate bid associated with it. Thus, one
player may bid on and win all of the indicators associated with the
wheel. Alternatively, different players may each bid on and win a
different indicator associated with the wheel.
[0024] In one embodiment, each of the players playing at a gaming
device qualifies to participate in the bonus event. In other words,
each of the players participates in bonus event, regardless of
which player places the winning bid in the bidding sequence.
However, this embodiment, when the bidding sequence is triggered,
the controller enables the players to bid against one another for a
multiplier to be applied to the bonus event. In this embodiment,
each player participates in the bonus event, but the player who
places the winning bid during the bidding sequence wins the
multiplier for the bonus event.
[0025] In one embodiment, the players bid on a plurality of
different multipliers. In one such embodiment, the winning bidder
receives the highest multiplier, and players who placed lower bids
receive lower multipliers corresponding to the value of their
bids.
[0026] In another embodiment, each of the players participates in
the bonus event and gets a multiplier for the bonus event
regardless of which player places the winning bid in the bidding
sequence. In this embodiment, each player is bidding on the
opportunity to enhance the multiplier by winning one or more
additional multipliers via the bidding sequence. In one such
embodiment, the winning bidder in the bidding sequence wins an
additional multiplier for the bonus event based on the winning bid.
In another embodiment, the winning bidder wins an additional
multiplier if the winning bid is at or above a threshold amount. In
another embodiment, the winning bidder wins an additional
multiplier based on that winning bidder's wager level.
[0027] In other embodiments, the players bid on both the
opportunity to participate in the bonus event and on one or more
multipliers for the bonus event. It should be appreciated that the
gaming system may include any combination of the above
embodiments.
[0028] In certain multiplier embodiments, in order to trigger the
bidding sequence, the accumulated value pool associated with the
group of gaming devices must be sufficient to fund the multiplier
of the average expected payout of the bonus event.
[0029] In another embodiment, the central controller determines
which system gaming machine(s) will provide the bidding sequence
and designates the players of these gaming machines as eligible
players. Such a determination is based in part on the individual
status of each of the gaming machines in the gaming system. That
is, the individual status of each gaming machine determines whether
the player of that gaming machine is eligible to participate in the
bidding sequence. In one embodiment, each gaming machine is
determined to be in either active status or enrolled status. Active
status means that the gaming machine is being actively played by a
player during a certain time period, such as a bonus event
qualification period. Active status requirements can be based on
any suitable number of satisfied criteria or defined in any
suitable manner by the implementer of the gaming system disclosed
herein. For instance, the existence of a playing tracking card in
the gaming machine may be part of the determination of whether that
gaming machine is in the active status. Other factors such as: (a)
the amount of time between each play of or wager on the primary
game of the gaming machine; (b) the amount being wagered on the
primary game(s); (c) the number of plays within a period of time;
(d) the existence of credits on the gaming machine; and (e) a play
of or a wager on the primary game of the gaming machine within a
predetermined period of time may also or alternatively be part of
the determination of whether a gaming machine is in the active
status. Enrolled status means that the gaming machine is one of the
gaming machines in the gaming system, but is not being actively
played by a player according to one or more of the predetermined
criteria during the certain time period.
[0030] It is therefore an advantage of the present disclosure to
provide a gaming system that allows players further control over
winning bonus events and awards.
[0031] Another advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a
bidding sequence wherein players compete against each other for
bonus events and awards.
[0032] A further advantage of the present disclosure to designate
certain triggering events that cause a bidding sequence to be
provided to players at gaming devices in a group of linked gaming
devices.
[0033] Additional features and advantages of the disclosed
embodiments are described in, and will be apparent from, the
following Detailed Description of the Invention and the
Figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0034] FIG. 1A is a front-side perspective view of one embodiment
of the gaming device disclosed herein.
[0035] FIG. 1B is a front-side perspective view of another
embodiment of the gaming device disclosed herein.
[0036] FIG. 2A is a schematic block diagram of the electronic
configuration of one embodiment of the gaming device disclosed
herein.
[0037] FIG. 2B is a schematic block diagram illustrating a
plurality of gaming devices in communication with a central
controller.
[0038] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of one embodiment of the gaming system
including the bidding sequence disclosed herein.
[0039] FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a plurality of gaming
devices in communication with a central controller during the
bidding sequence in one embodiment of the gaming system disclosed
herein.
[0040] FIG. 4B is an enlarged front plan view illustrating the
display device of one of the gaming devices of the embodiment of
FIG. 4A after the bidding sequence is completed.
[0041] FIG. 5 is a table illustrating the bidding sequence in one
embodiment of the gaming system disclosed herein, wherein the
players participating in the bidding sequence are provided with a
limited amount of time to place their bids.
[0042] FIG. 6 is a table representing a wheel with a plurality of
sections, wherein each section of the wheel has an equal
probability of being indicated after the wheel has been activated
or spun.
[0043] FIG. 7 is a table representing a wheel with a plurality of
sections, wherein a plurality of the sections of the wheel have
different probabilities of being indicated after the wheel has been
activated or spun.
[0044] FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram of the memory of the central
controller of FIG. 2B, and which generally illustrates one example
of the accumulated value pool.
[0045] FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram of the memory of the central
controller of FIG. 2B, and which generally illustrates an example
of the accumulated value pool with a remainder from a previous
accumulated value pool.
[0046] FIG. 8C is a schematic diagram of the memory of the central
controller of FIG. 2B, and which generally illustrates an example
of the accumulated value pool with a bid from a previous bidding
sequence.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0047] The present disclosure may be implemented in various
configurations for gaming machines or gaming devices, including but
not limited to: (1) a dedicated gaming machine or gaming device,
wherein the computerized instructions for controlling any games
(which are provided by the gaming machine or gaming device) are
provided with the gaming machine or gaming device prior to delivery
to a gaming establishment; and (2) a changeable gaming machine or
gaming device, where the computerized instructions for controlling
any games (which are provided by the gaming machine or gaming
device) are downloadable to the gaming machine or gaming device
through a data network when the gaming machine or gaming device is
in a gaming establishment. In one embodiment, the computerized
instructions for controlling any games are executed by a central
server, central controller or remote host. In such a "thin client"
embodiment, the central server remotely controls any games (or
other suitable interfaces) and the gaming device is utilized to
display such games (or suitable interfaces) and receive one or more
inputs or commands from a player. In another embodiment, the
computerized instructions for controlling any games are
communicated from the central server, central controller or remote
host to a gaming device local processor and memory devices. In such
a "thick client" embodiment, the gaming device local processor
executes the communicated computerized instructions to control any
games (or other suitable interfaces) provided to a player.
[0048] In one embodiment, one or more gaming devices in a gaming
system may be thin client gaming devices and one or more gaming
devices in the gaming system may be thick client gaming devices. In
another embodiment, certain functions of the gaming device are
implemented in a thin client environment and certain other
functions of the gaming device are implemented in a thick client
environment. In one such embodiment, computerized instructions for
controlling any primary games are communicated from the central
server to the gaming device in a thick client configuration and
computerized instructions for controlling any secondary games or
bonus functions are executed by a central server in a thin client
configuration.
[0049] Referring now to the drawings, two example alternative
embodiments of the gaming device of the disclosed herein are
illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B as gaming device 10a and gaming
device 10b, respectively. Gaming device 10a and/or gaming device
10b are generally referred to herein as gaming device 10.
[0050] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, gaming
device 10 has a support structure, housing or cabinet which
provides support for a plurality of displays, inputs, controls and
other features of a conventional gaming machine. It is configured
so that a player can operate it while standing or sitting. The
gaming device may be positioned on a base or stand or can be
configured as a pub-style table-top game (not shown) which a player
can operate preferably while sitting. As illustrated by the
different configurations shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the gaming
device may have varying cabinet and display configurations.
[0051] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the gaming
device preferably includes at least one processor 12, such as a
microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, a suitable
integrated circuit or one or more application-specific integrated
circuits (ASIC's). The processor is in communication with or
operable to access or to exchange signals with at least one data
storage or memory device 14. In one embodiment, the processor and
the memory device reside within the cabinet of the gaming device.
The memory device stores program code and instructions, executable
by the processor, to control the gaming device. The memory device
also stores other data such as image data, event data, player input
data, random or pseudo-random number generators, pay-table data or
information and applicable game rules that relate to the play of
the gaming device. In one embodiment, the memory device includes
random access memory (RAM), which can include non-volatile RAM
(NVRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) and other
forms as commonly understood in the gaming industry. In one
embodiment, the memory device includes read only memory (ROM). In
one embodiment, the memory device includes flash memory and/or
EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory). Any
other suitable magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory may
operate in conjunction with the gaming device disclosed herein.
[0052] In one embodiment, part or all of the program code and/or
operating data described above can be stored in a detachable or
removable memory device, including, but not limited to, a suitable
cartridge, disk, CD ROM, DVD or USB memory device. In other
embodiments, part or all of the program code and/or operating data
described above can be downloaded to the memory device through a
suitable network.
[0053] In one embodiment, an operator or a player can use such a
removable memory device in a desktop computer, a laptop personal
computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), portable computing
device, or other computerized platform to implement the present
disclosure. In one embodiment, the gaming device or gaming machine
disclosed herein is operable over a wireless network, such as part
of a wireless gaming system. In this embodiment, the gaming machine
may be a hand held device, a mobile device or any other suitable
wireless device that enables a player to play any suitable game at
a variety of different locations. It should be appreciated that a
gaming device or gaming machine as disclosed herein may be a device
that has obtained approval from a regulatory gaming commission or a
device that has not obtained approval from a regulatory gaming
commission. It should be appreciated that the processor and memory
device may be collectively referred to herein as a "computer" or
"controller."
[0054] In one embodiment, as discussed in more detail below, the
gaming device randomly generates awards and/or other game outcomes
based on probability data. In one such embodiment, this random
determination is provided through utilization of a random number
generator (RNG), such as a true random number generator, a pseudo
random number generator or other suitable randomization process. In
one embodiment, each award or other game outcome is associated with
a probability and the gaming device generates the award or other
game outcome to be provided to the player based on the associated
probabilities. In this embodiment, since the gaming device
generates outcomes randomly or based upon one or more probability
calculations, there is no certainty that the gaming device will
ever provide the player with any specific award or other game
outcome.
[0055] In another embodiment, as discussed in more detail below,
the gaming device employs a predetermined or finite set or pool of
awards or other game outcomes. In this embodiment, as each award or
other game outcome is provided to the player, the gaming device
flags or removes the provided award or other game outcome from the
predetermined set or pool. Once flagged or removed from the set or
pool, the specific provided award or other game outcome from that
specific pool cannot be provided to the player again. This type of
gaming device provides players with all of the available awards or
other game outcomes over the course of the play cycle and
guarantees the amount of actual wins and losses.
[0056] In another embodiment, as discussed below, upon a player
initiating game play at the gaming device, the gaming device
enrolls in a bingo game. In this embodiment, a bingo server calls
the bingo balls that result in a specific bingo game outcome. The
resultant game outcome is communicated to the individual gaming
device to be provided to a player. In one embodiment, this bingo
outcome is displayed to the player as a bingo game and/or in any
form in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0057] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the gaming
device includes one or more display devices controlled by the
processor. The display devices are preferably connected to or
mounted to the cabinet of the gaming device. The embodiment shown
in FIG. 1A includes a central display device 16 which displays a
primary game. This display device may also display any suitable
secondary game associated with the primary game as well as
information relating to the primary or secondary game. The
alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 1B includes a central display
device 16 and an upper display device 18. The upper display device
may display the primary game, any suitable secondary game
associated or not associated with the primary game and/or
information relating to the primary or secondary game. These
display devices may also serve as digital glass operable to
advertise games or other aspects of the gaming establishment. As
seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in one embodiment, the gaming device
includes a credit display 20 which displays a player's current
number of credits, cash, account balance or the equivalent. In one
embodiment, gaming device includes a bet display 22 which displays
a player's amount wagered.
[0058] In another embodiment, at least one display device may be a
mobile display device, such as a PDA or tablet PC, that enables
play of at least a portion of the primary or secondary game at a
location remote from the gaming device.
[0059] The display devices may include, without limitation, a
monitor, a television display, a plasma display, a liquid crystal
display (LCD) a display based on light emitting diodes (LED), a
display based on a plurality of organic light-emitting diodes
(OLEDs), a display based on polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs),
a display based on a plurality of surface-conduction
electron-emitters (SEDs), a display including a projected and/or
reflected image or any other suitable electronic device or display
mechanism. In one embodiment, as described in more detail below,
the display device includes a touch-screen with an associated
touch-screen controller. The display devices may be of any suitable
size and configuration, such as a square, a rectangle or an
elongated rectangle.
[0060] The display devices of the gaming device are configured to
display at least one and preferably a plurality of game or other
suitable images, symbols and indicia such as any visual
representation or exhibition of the movement of objects such as
mechanical, virtual or video reels and wheels, dynamic lighting,
video images, images of people, characters, places, things and
faces of cards, and the like.
[0061] In one alternative embodiment, the symbols, images and
indicia displayed on or of the display device may be in mechanical
form. That is, the display device may include any electromechanical
device, such as one or more mechanical objects, such as one or more
rotatable wheels, reels or dice, configured to display at least one
or a plurality of game or other suitable images, symbols or
indicia.
[0062] As illustrated in FIG. 2A, in one embodiment, the gaming
device includes at least one payment acceptor 24 in communication
with the processor. As seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the payment
acceptor may include a coin slot 26 and a payment, note or bill
acceptor 28, where the player inserts money, coins or tokens. The
player can place coins in the coin slot or paper money, a ticket or
voucher into the payment, note or bill acceptor. In other
embodiments, devices such as readers or validators for credit
cards, debit cards or credit slips may accept payment. In one
embodiment, a player may insert an identification card into a card
reader of the gaming device. In one embodiment, the identification
card is a smart card having a programmed microchip or a magnetic
strip coded with a player's identification, credit totals (or
related data) and other relevant information. In another
embodiment, a player may carry a portable device, such as a cell
phone, a radio frequency identification tag or any other suitable
wireless device, which communicates a player's identification,
credit totals (or related data) and other relevant information to
the gaming device. In one embodiment, money may be transferred to a
gaming device through electronic funds transfer. When a player
funds the gaming device, the processor determines the amount of
funds entered and displays the corresponding amount on the credit
or other suitable display as described above.
[0063] As seen in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2A, in one embodiment the gaming
device includes at least one and preferably a plurality of input
devices 30 in communication with the processor. The input devices
can include any suitable device which enables the player to produce
an input signal which is received by the processor. In one
embodiment, after appropriate funding of the gaming device, the
input device is a game activation device, such as a pull arm 32 or
a play button 34 which is used by the player to start any primary
game or sequence of events in the gaming device. The play button
can be any suitable play activator such as a bet one button, a max
bet button or a repeat the bet button. In one embodiment, upon
appropriate funding, the gaming device begins the game play
automatically. In another embodiment, upon the player engaging one
of the play buttons, the gaming device automatically activates game
play.
[0064] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, one input
device is a bet one button 36. The player places a bet by pushing
the bet one button. The player can increase the bet by one credit
each time the player pushes the bet one button. When the player
pushes the bet one button, the number of credits shown in the
credit display preferably decreases by one, and the number of
credits shown in the bet display preferably increases by one. In
another embodiment, one input device is a bet max button (not
shown) which enables the player to bet the maximum wager permitted
for a game of the gaming device.
[0065] In one embodiment, one input device is a cash out button 38.
The player may push the cash out button and cash out to receive a
cash payment or other suitable form of payment corresponding to the
number of remaining credits. In one embodiment, when the player
cashes out, the player receives the coins or tokens in a coin
payout tray 40. In one embodiment, when the player cashes out, the
player may receive other payout mechanisms such as tickets or
credit slips redeemable by a cashier (or other suitable redemption
system) or funding to the player's electronically recordable
identification card.
[0066] In one embodiment, as mentioned above and seen in FIG. 2A,
one input device is a touch-screen 42 coupled with a touch-screen
controller 44, or some other touch-sensitive display overlay to
allow for player interaction with the images on the display. The
touch-screen and the touch-screen controller are connected to a
video controller 46. A player can make decisions and input signals
into the gaming device by touching the touch-screen at the
appropriate places. One such input device is a touch-screen button
panel. It should be appreciated that the utilization of
touch-screens is widespread in the gaming industry.
[0067] The gaming device may further include a plurality of
communication ports for enabling communication of the processor
with external peripherals, such as external video sources,
expansion buses, game or other displays, an SCSI port or a key
pad.
[0068] In one embodiment, as seen in FIG. 2A, the gaming device
includes a sound generating device controlled by one or more sounds
cards 48 which function in conjunction with the processor. In one
embodiment, the sound generating device includes at least one and
preferably a plurality of speakers 50 or other sound generating
hardware and/or software for generating sounds, such as playing
music for the primary and/or secondary game or for other modes of
the gaming device, such as an attract mode. In one embodiment, the
gaming device provides dynamic sounds coupled with attractive
multimedia images displayed on one or more of the display devices
to provide an audio-visual representation or to otherwise display
full-motion video with sound to attract players to the gaming
device. During idle periods, the gaming device may display a
sequence of audio and/or visual attraction messages to attract
potential players to the gaming device. The videos may also be
customized for or to provide any appropriate information.
[0069] In one embodiment, the gaming machine may include a sensor,
such as a camera in communication with the processor (and possibly
controlled by the processor) that is selectively positioned to
acquire an image of a player actively using the gaming device
and/or the surrounding area of the gaming device. In one
embodiment, the camera may be configured to selectively acquire
still or moving (e.g., video) images and may be configured to
acquire the images in either an analog, digital or other suitable
format. The display devices may be configured to display the image
acquired by the camera as well as display the visible manifestation
of the game in split screen or picture-in-picture fashion. For
example, the camera may acquire an image of the player and the
processor may incorporate that image into the primary and/or
secondary game as a game image, symbol or indicia.
[0070] Gaming device 10 can incorporate any suitable wagering
primary or base game. The gaming machine or device may include some
or all of the features of conventional gaming machines or devices.
The primary or base game may comprise any suitable reel-type game,
card game, cascading or falling symbol game, number game or other
game of chance susceptible to representation in an electronic or
electromechanical form, which in one embodiment produces a random
outcome based on probability data at the time of or after placement
of a wager. That is, different primary wagering games, such as
video poker games, video blackjack games, video keno, video bingo
or any other suitable primary or base game may be implemented.
[0071] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a base
or primary game may be a slot game with one or more paylines 52.
The paylines may be horizontal, vertical, circular, diagonal,
angled or any combination thereof. In this embodiment, the gaming
device includes at least one and preferably a plurality of reels
54, such as three to five reels 54, in either electromechanical
form with mechanical rotating reels or video form with simulated
reels and movement thereof. In one embodiment, an electromechanical
slot machine includes a plurality of adjacent, rotatable reels
which may be combined and operably coupled with an electronic
display of any suitable type. In another embodiment, if the reels
54 are in video form, one or more of the display devices, as
described above, display the plurality of simulated video reels 54.
Each reel 54 displays a plurality of indicia or symbols, such as
bells, hearts, fruits, numbers, letters, bars or other images which
preferably correspond to a theme associated with the gaming device.
In another embodiment, one or more of the reels are independent
reels or unisymbol reels. In this embodiment, each independent or
unisymbol reel generates and displays one symbol to the player. In
one embodiment, the gaming device awards prizes after the reels of
the primary game stop spinning if specified types and/or
configurations of indicia or symbols occur on an active payline or
otherwise occur in a winning pattern, occur on the requisite number
of adjacent reels and/or occur in a scatter pay arrangement.
[0072] In an alternative embodiment, rather than determining any
outcome to provide to the player by analyzing the symbols generated
on any wagered upon paylines as described above, the gaming device
determines any outcome to provide to the player based on the number
of associated symbols which are generated in active symbol
positions on the requisite number of adjacent reels (i.e., not on
paylines passing through any displayed winning symbol
combinations). In this embodiment, if a winning symbol combination
is generated on the reels, the gaming device provides the player
one award for that occurrence of the generated winning symbol
combination. For example, if one winning symbol combination is
generated on the reels, the gaming device will provide a single
award to the player for that winning symbol combination (i.e., not
based on the number of paylines that would have passed through that
winning symbol combination). It should be appreciated that because
a gaming device with wagering on ways to win provides the player
one award for a single occurrence of a winning symbol combination
and a gaming device with paylines may provide the player more than
one award for the same occurrence of a single winning symbol
combination (i.e., if a plurality of paylines each pass through the
same winning symbol combination), it is possible to provide a
player at a ways to win gaming device with more ways to win for an
equivalent bet or wager on a traditional slot gaming device with
paylines.
[0073] In one embodiment, the total number of ways to win is
determined by multiplying the number of symbols generated in active
symbol positions on a first reel by the number of symbols generated
in active symbol positions on a second reel by the number of
symbols generated in active symbol positions on a third reel and so
on for each reel of the gaming device with at least one symbol
generated in an active symbol position. For example, a three reel
gaming device with three symbols generated in active symbol
positions on each reel includes 27 ways to win (i.e., 3 symbols on
the first reel.times.3 symbols on the second reel.times.3 symbols
on the third reel). A four reel gaming device with three symbols
generated in active symbol positions on each reel includes 81 ways
to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel.times.3 symbols on the
second reel.times.3 symbols on the third reel.times.3 symbols on
the fourth reel). A five reel gaming device with three symbols
generated in active symbol positions on each reel includes 243 ways
to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel.times.3 symbols on the
second reel.times.3 symbols on the third reel.times.3 symbols on
the fourth reel.times.3 symbols on the fifth reel). It should be
appreciated that modifying the number of generated symbols by
either modifying the number of reels or modifying the number of
symbols generated in active symbol positions by one or more of the
reels, modifies the number of ways to win.
[0074] In another embodiment, the gaming device enables a player to
wager on and thus activate symbol positions. In one such
embodiment, the symbol positions are on the reels. In this
embodiment, if based on the player's wager, a reel is activated,
then each of the symbol positions of that reel will be activated
and each of the active symbol positions will be part of one or more
of the ways to win. In one embodiment, if based on the player's
wager, a reel is not activated, then a designated number of default
symbol positions, such as a single symbol position of the middle
row of the reel, will be activated and the default symbol
position(s) will be part of one or more of the ways to win. This
type of gaming machine enables a player to wager on one, more or
each of the reels and the processor of the gaming device uses the
number of wagered on reels to determine the active symbol positions
and the number of possible ways to win. In alternative embodiments,
(1) no symbols are displayed as generated at any of the inactive
symbol positions, or (2) any symbols generated at any inactive
symbol positions may be displayed to the player but suitably shaded
or otherwise designated as inactive.
[0075] In one embodiment wherein a player wagers on one or more
reels, a player's wager of one credit may activate each of the
three symbol positions on a first reel, wherein one default symbol
position is activated on each of the remaining four reels. In this
example, as described above, the gaming device provides the player
three ways to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel.times.1 symbol
on the second reel.times.1 symbol on the third reel.times.1 symbol
on the fourth reel.times.1 symbol on the fifth reel). In another
example, a player's wager of nine credits may activate each of the
three symbol positions on a first reel, each of the three symbol
positions on a second reel and each of the three symbol positions
on a third reel wherein one default symbol position is activated on
each of the remaining two reels. In this example, as described
above, the gaming device provides the player twenty-seven ways to
win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel.times.3 symbols on the
second reel.times.3 symbols on the third reel.times.1 symbol on the
fourth reel.times.1 symbol on the fifth reel).
[0076] In one embodiment, to determine any award(s) to provide to
the player based on the generated symbols, the gaming device
individually determines if a symbol generated in an active symbol
position on a first reel forms part of a winning symbol combination
with or is otherwise suitably related to a symbol generated in an
active symbol position on a second reel. In this embodiment, the
gaming device classifies each pair of symbols which form part of a
winning symbol combination (i.e., each pair of related symbols) as
a string of related symbols. For example, if active symbol
positions include a first cherry symbol generated in the top row of
a first reel and a second cherry symbol generated in the bottom row
of a second reel, the gaming device classifies the two cherry
symbols as a string of related symbols because the two cherry
symbols form part of a winning symbol combination.
[0077] After determining if any strings of related symbols are
formed between the symbols on the first reel and the symbols on the
second reel, the gaming device determines if any of the symbols
from the next adjacent reel should be added to any of the formed
strings of related symbols. In this embodiment, for a first of the
classified strings of related symbols, the gaming device determines
if any of the symbols generated by the next adjacent reel form part
of a winning symbol combination or are otherwise related to the
symbols of the first string of related symbols. If the gaming
device determines that a symbol generated on the next adjacent reel
is related to the symbols of the first string of related symbols,
that symbol is subsequently added to the first string of related
symbols. For example, if the first string of related symbols is the
string of related cherry symbols and a related cherry symbol is
generated in the middle row of the third reel, the gaming device
adds the related cherry symbol generated on the third reel to the
previously classified string of cherry symbols.
[0078] On the other hand, if the gaming device determines that no
symbols generated on the next adjacent reel are related to the
symbols of the first string of related symbols, the gaming device
marks or flags such string of related symbols as complete. For
example, if the first string of related symbols is the string of
related cherry symbols and none of the symbols of the third reel
are related to the cherry symbols of the previously classified
string of cherry symbols, the gaming device marks or flags the
string of cherry symbols as complete.
[0079] After either adding a related symbol to the first string of
related symbols or marking the first string of related symbols as
complete, the gaming device proceeds as described above for each of
the remaining classified strings of related symbols which were
previously classified or formed from related symbols on the first
and second reels.
[0080] After analyzing each of the remaining strings of related
symbols, the gaming device determines, for each remaining pending
or incomplete string of related symbols, if any of the symbols from
the next adjacent reel, if any, should be added to any of the
previously classified strings of related symbols. This process
continues until either each string of related symbols is complete
or there are no more adjacent reels of symbols to analyze. In this
embodiment, where there are no more adjacent reels of symbols to
analyze, the gaming device marks each of the remaining pending
strings of related symbols as complete.
[0081] When each of the strings of related symbols is marked
complete, the gaming device compares each of the strings of related
symbols to an appropriate paytable and provides the player any
award associated with each of the completed strings of symbols. It
should be appreciated that the player is provided one award, if
any, for each string of related symbols generated in active symbol
positions (i.e., as opposed to being based on how many paylines
that would have passed through each of the strings of related
symbols in active symbol positions).
[0082] In one embodiment, a base or primary game may be a poker
game wherein the gaming device enables the player to play a
conventional game of video draw poker and initially deals five
cards all face up from a virtual deck of fifty-two card deck. Cards
may be dealt as in a traditional game of cards or in the case of
the gaming device, may also include that the cards are randomly
selected from a predetermined number of cards. If the player wishes
to draw, the player selects the cards to hold via one or more input
device, such as pressing related hold buttons or via the touch
screen. The player then presses the deal button and the unwanted or
discarded cards are removed from the display and the gaming machine
deals the replacement cards from the remaining cards in the deck.
This results in a final five-card hand. The gaming device compares
the final five-card hand to a payout table which utilizes
conventional poker hand rankings to determine the winning hands.
The gaming device provides the player with an award based on a
winning hand and the credits the player wagered.
[0083] In another embodiment, the base or primary game may be a
multi-hand version of video poker. In this embodiment, the gaming
device deals the player at least two hands of cards. In one such
embodiment, the cards are the same cards. In one embodiment each
hand of cards is associated with its own deck of cards. The player
chooses the cards to hold in a primary hand. The held cards in the
primary hand are also held in the other hands of cards. The
remaining non-held cards are removed from each hand displayed and
for each hand replacement cards are randomly dealt into that hand.
Since the replacement cards are randomly dealt independently for
each hand, the replacement cards for each hand will usually be
different. The poker hand rankings are then determined hand by hand
and awards are provided to the player.
[0084] In one embodiment, a base or primary game may be a keno game
wherein the gaming device displays a plurality of selectable
indicia or numbers on at least one of the display devices. In this
embodiment, the player selects at least one or a plurality of the
selectable indicia or numbers via an input device such as the touch
screen. The gaming device then displays a series of drawn numbers
to determine an amount of matches, if any, between the player's
selected numbers and the gaming device's drawn numbers. The player
is provided an award based on the amount of matches, if any, based
on the amount of determined matches and the number of numbers
drawn.
[0085] In one embodiment, in addition to winning credits or other
awards in a base or primary game, the gaming device may also give
players the opportunity to win credits in a bonus or secondary game
or bonus or secondary round. The bonus or secondary game enables
the player to obtain a prize or payout in addition to the prize or
payout, if any, obtained from the base or primary game. In general,
a bonus or secondary game produces a significantly higher level of
player excitement than the base or primary game because it provides
a greater expectation of winning than the base or primary game and
is accompanied with more attractive or unusual features than the
base or primary game. In one embodiment, the bonus or secondary
game may be any type of suitable game, either similar to or
completely different from the base or primary game.
[0086] In one embodiment, the triggering event or qualifying
condition may be a selected outcome in the primary game or a
particular arrangement of one or more indicia on a display device
in the primary game, such as the number seven appearing on three
adjacent reels along a payline in the primary slot game embodiment
seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In other embodiments, the triggering event
or qualifying condition may be by exceeding a certain amount of
game play (such as number of games, number of credits, amount of
time), or reaching a specified number of points earned during game
play.
[0087] In another embodiment, the gaming device processor 12 or
central server 56 randomly provides the player one or more plays of
one or more secondary games. In one such embodiment, the gaming
device does not provide any apparent reasons to the player for
qualifying to play a secondary or bonus game. In this embodiment,
qualifying for a bonus game is not triggered by an event in or
based specifically on any of the plays of any primary game. That
is, the gaming device may simply qualify a player to play a
secondary game without any explanation or alternatively with simple
explanations. In another embodiment, the gaming device (or central
server) qualifies a player for a secondary game at least partially
based on a game triggered or symbol triggered event, such as at
least partially based on the play of a primary game.
[0088] In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a program
which will automatically begin a bonus round after the player has
achieved a triggering event or qualifying condition in the base or
primary game. In another embodiment, after a player has qualified
for a bonus game, the player may subsequently enhance his/her bonus
game participation through continued play on the base or primary
game. Thus, for each bonus qualifying event, such as a bonus
symbol, that the player obtains, a given number of bonus game
wagering points or credits may be accumulated in a "bonus meter"
programmed to accrue the bonus wagering credits or entries toward
eventual participation in a bonus game. The occurrence of multiple
such bonus qualifying events in the primary game may result in an
arithmetic or exponential increase in the number of bonus wagering
credits awarded. In one embodiment, the player may redeem extra
bonus wagering credits during the bonus game to extend play of the
bonus game.
[0089] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, one or more of
the gaming devices 10 are in communication with each other and/or
at least one central server, central controller or remote host 56
through a data network or remote communication link 58. In this
embodiment, the central server, central controller or remote host
is any suitable server or computing device which includes at least
one processor and at least one memory or storage device. In
different such embodiments, the central server is a progressive
controller or a processor of one of the gaming devices in the
gaming system. In these embodiments, the processor of each gaming
device is designed to transmit and receive events, messages,
commands or any other suitable data or signal between the
individual gaming device and the central server. The gaming device
processor is operable to execute such communicated events, messages
or commands in conjunction with the operation of the gaming device.
Moreover, the processor of the central server is designed to
transmit and receive events, messages, commands or any other
suitable data or signal between the central server and each of the
individual gaming devices. The central server processor is operable
to execute such communicated events, messages or commands in
conjunction with the operation of the central server. It should be
appreciated that one, more or each of the functions of the central
controller as disclosed herein may be performed by one or more
gaming device processors. It should be further appreciated that
one, more or each of the functions of one or more gaming device
processors as disclosed herein may be performed by the central
controller.
[0090] In one embodiment, the game outcome provided to the player
is determined by a central server or controller and provided to the
player at the gaming device. In this embodiment, each of a
plurality of such gaming devices are in communication with the
central server or controller. Upon a player initiating game play at
one of the gaming devices, the initiated gaming device communicates
a game outcome request to the central server or controller.
[0091] In one embodiment, the central server or controller receives
the game outcome request and randomly generates a game outcome for
the primary game based on probability data. In another embodiment,
the central server or controller randomly generates a game outcome
for the secondary game based on probability data. In another
embodiment, the central server or controller randomly generates a
game outcome for both the primary game and the secondary game based
on probability data. In this embodiment, the central server or
controller is capable of storing and utilizing program code or
other data similar to the processor and memory device of the gaming
device.
[0092] In an alternative embodiment, the central server or
controller maintains one or more predetermined pools or sets of
predetermined game outcomes. In this embodiment, the central server
or controller receives the game outcome request and independently
selects a predetermined game outcome from a set or pool of game
outcomes. The central server or controller flags or marks the
selected game outcome as used. Once a game outcome is flagged as
used, it is prevented from further selection from the set or pool
and cannot be selected by the central controller or server upon
another wager. The provided game outcome can include a primary game
outcome, a secondary game outcome, primary and secondary game
outcomes, or a series of game outcomes such as free games.
[0093] The central server or controller communicates the generated
or selected game outcome to the initiated gaming device. The gaming
device receives the generated or selected game outcome and provides
the game outcome to the player. In an alternative embodiment, how
the generated or selected game outcome is to be presented or
displayed to the player, such as a reel symbol combination of a
slot machine or a hand of cards dealt in a card game, is also
determined by the central server or controller and communicated to
the initiated gaming device to be presented or displayed to the
player. Central production or control can assist a gaming
establishment or other entity in maintaining appropriate records,
controlling gaming, reducing and preventing cheating or electronic
or other errors, reducing or eliminating win-loss volatility and
the like.
[0094] In another embodiment, a predetermined game outcome value is
determined for each of a plurality of linked or networked gaming
devices based on the results of a bingo or keno game. In this
embodiment, each individual gaming device utilizes one or more
bingo or keno games to determine the predetermined game outcome
value provided to the player for the interactive game played at
that gaming device. In one embodiment, the bingo or keno game is
displayed to the player. In another embodiment, the bingo or keno
game is not displayed to the player, but the results of the bingo
or keno game determine the predetermined game outcome value for the
primary or secondary game.
[0095] In the various bingo embodiments, as each gaming device is
enrolled in the bingo game, such as upon an appropriate wager or
engaging an input device, the enrolled gaming device is provided or
associated with a different bingo card. Each bingo card consists of
a matrix or array of elements, wherein each element is designated
with a separate indicia, such as a number. It should be appreciated
that each different bingo card includes a different combination of
elements. For example, if four bingo cards are provided to four
enrolled gaming devices, the same element may be present on all
four of the bingo cards while another element may solely be present
on one of the bingo cards.
[0096] In operation of these embodiments, upon providing or
associating a different bingo card to each of a plurality of
enrolled gaming devices, the central controller randomly selects or
draws, one at a time, a plurality of the elements. As each element
is selected, a determination is made for each gaming device as to
whether the selected element is present on the bingo card provided
to that enrolled gaming device. This determination can be made by
the central controller, the gaming device, a combination of the
two, or in any other suitable manner. If the selected element is
present on the bingo card provided to that enrolled gaming device,
that selected element on the provided bingo card is marked or
flagged. This process of selecting elements and marking any
selected elements on the provided bingo cards continues until one
or more predetermined patterns are marked on one or more of the
provided bingo cards. It should be appreciated that in one
embodiment, the gaming device requires the player to engage a daub
button (not shown) to initiate the process of the gaming device
marking or flagging any selected elements.
[0097] After one or more predetermined patterns are marked on one
or more of the provided bingo cards, a game outcome is determined
for each of the enrolled gaming devices based, at least in part, on
the selected elements on the provided bingo cards. As described
above, the game outcome determined for each gaming device enrolled
in the bingo game is utilized by that gaming device to determine
the predetermined game outcome provided to the player. For example,
a first gaming device to have selected elements marked in a
predetermined pattern is provided a first outcome of win $10 which
will be provided to a first player regardless of how the first
player plays in a first game and a second gaming device to have
selected elements marked in a different predetermined pattern is
provided a second outcome of win $2 which will be provided to a
second player regardless of how the second player plays a second
game. It should be appreciated that as the process of marking
selected elements continues until one or more predetermined
patterns are marked, this embodiment ensures that at least one
bingo card will win the bingo game and thus at least one enrolled
gaming device will provide a predetermined winning game outcome to
a player. It should be appreciated that other suitable methods for
selecting or determining one or more predetermined game outcomes
may be employed.
[0098] In one example of the above-described embodiment, the
predetermined game outcome may be based on a supplemental award in
addition to any award provided for winning the bingo game as
described above. In this embodiment, if one or more elements are
marked in supplemental patterns within a designated number of drawn
elements, a supplemental or intermittent award or value associated
with the marked supplemental pattern is provided to the player as
part of the predetermined game outcome. For example, if the four
corners of a bingo card are marked within the first twenty selected
elements, a supplemental award of $10 is provided to the player as
part of the predetermined game outcome. It should be appreciated
that in this embodiment, the player of a gaming device may be
provided a supplemental or intermittent award regardless of if the
enrolled gaming device's provided bingo card wins or does not win
the bingo game as described above.
[0099] In another embodiment, one or more of the gaming devices are
in communication with a central server or controller for monitoring
purposes only. That is, each individual gaming device randomly
generates the game outcomes to be provided to the player and the
central server or controller monitors the activities and events
occurring on the plurality of gaming devices. In one embodiment,
the gaming network includes a real-time or on-line accounting and
gaming information system operably coupled to the central server or
controller. The accounting and gaming information system of this
embodiment includes a player database for storing player profiles,
a player tracking module for tracking players and a credit system
for providing automated casino transactions.
[0100] In one embodiment, the gaming device disclosed herein is
associated with or otherwise integrated with one or more player
tracking systems. In this embodiment, the gaming device and/or
player tracking system tracks any players gaming activity at the
gaming device. In one such embodiment, the gaming device and/or
associated player tracking system timely tracks when a player
inserts their playing tracking card to begin a gaming session and
also timely tracks when a player removes their player tracking card
when concluding play for that gaming session. In another
embodiment, rather than requiring a player to insert a player
tracking card, the gaming device utilizes one or more portable
devices carried by a player, such as a cell phone, a radio
frequency identification tag or any other suitable wireless device
to track when a player begins and ends a gaming session. In another
embodiment, the gaming device utilizes any suitable biometric
technology or ticket technology to track when a player begins and
ends a gaming session.
[0101] During one or more gaming sessions, the gaming device and/or
player tracking system tracks any suitable information, such as any
amounts wagered, average wager amounts and/or the time these wagers
are placed. In different embodiments, for one or more players, the
player tracking system includes the player's account number, the
player's card number, the player's first name, the player's
surname, the player's preferred name, the player's player tracking
ranking, any promotion status associated with the player's player
tracking card, the player's address, the player's birthday, the
player's anniversary, the player's recent gaming sessions, or any
other suitable data.
[0102] In one embodiment, a plurality of the gaming devices are
capable of being connected together through a data network. In one
embodiment, the data network is a local area network (LAN), in
which one or more of the gaming devices are substantially proximate
to each other and an on-site central server or controller as in,
for example, a gaming establishment or a portion of a gaming
establishment. In another embodiment, the data network is a wide
area network (WAN) in which one or more of the gaming devices are
in communication with at least one off-site central server or
controller. In this embodiment, the plurality of gaming devices may
be located in a different part of the gaming establishment or
within a different gaming establishment than the off-site central
server or controller. Thus, the WAN may include an off-site central
server or controller and an off-site gaming device located within
gaming establishments in the same geographic area, such as a city
or state. The WAN gaming system may be substantially identical to
the LAN gaming system described above, although the number of
gaming devices in each system may vary relative to each other.
[0103] In another embodiment, the data network is an internet or
intranet. In this embodiment, the operation of the gaming device
can be viewed at the gaming device with at least one internet
browser. In this embodiment, operation of the gaming device and
accumulation of credits may be accomplished with only a connection
to the central server or controller (the internet/intranet server)
through a conventional phone or other data transmission line,
digital subscriber line (DSL), T-1 line, coaxial cable, fiber optic
cable, or other suitable connection. In this embodiment, players
may access an internet game page from any location where an
internet connection and computer, or other internet facilitator is
available. The expansion in the number of computers and number and
speed of internet connections in recent years increases
opportunities for players to play from an ever-increasing number of
remote sites. It should be appreciated that enhanced bandwidth of
digital wireless communications may render such technology suitable
for some or all communications, particularly if such communications
are encrypted. Higher data transmission speeds may be useful for
enhancing the sophistication and response of the display and
interaction with the player.
[0104] As mentioned above, in one embodiment, the present
disclosure may be employed in a server based gaming system. In one
such embodiment, as described above, one or more gaming devices are
in communication with a central server or controller. The central
server or controller may be any suitable server or computing device
which includes at least one processor and a memory or storage
device. In alternative embodiments, the central server is a
progressive controller or another gaming machine in the gaming
system. In one embodiment, the memory device of the central server
stores different game programs and instructions, executable by a
gaming device processor, to control the gaming device. Each
executable game program represents a different game or type of game
which may be played on one or more of the gaming devices in the
gaming system. Such different games may include the same or
substantially the same game play with different pay tables. In
different embodiments, the executable game program is for a primary
game, a secondary game or both. In another embodiment, the game
program may be executable as a secondary game to be played
simultaneous with the play of a primary game (which may be
downloaded to or fixed on the gaming device) or vice versa.
[0105] In this embodiment, each gaming device at least includes one
or more display devices and/or one or more input devices for
interaction with a player. A local processor, such as the
above-described gaming device processor or a processor of a local
server, is operable with the display device(s) and/or the input
device(s) of one or more of the gaming devices.
[0106] In operation, the central controller is operable to
communicate one or more of the stored game programs to at least one
local processor. In different embodiments, the stored game programs
are communicated or delivered by embedding the communicated game
program in a device or a component (e.g., a microchip to be
inserted in a gaming device), writing the game program on a disc or
other media, downloading or streaming the game program over a
dedicated data network, internet or a telephone line. After the
stored game programs are communicated from the central server, the
local processor executes the communicated program to facilitate
play of the communicated program by a player through the display
device(s) and/or input device(s) of the gaming device. That is,
when a game program is communicated to a local processor, the local
processor changes the game or type of game played at the gaming
device.
[0107] In another embodiment, a plurality of gaming devices at one
or more gaming sites may be networked to the central server in a
progressive configuration, as known in the art, wherein a portion
of each wager to initiate a base or primary game may be allocated
to one or more progressive awards. In one embodiment, a progressive
gaming system host site computer is coupled to a plurality of the
central servers at a variety of mutually remote gaming sites for
providing a multi-site linked progressive automated gaming system.
In one embodiment, a progressive gaming system host site computer
may serve gaming devices distributed throughout a number of
properties at different geographical locations including, for
example, different locations within a city or different cities
within a state.
[0108] In one embodiment, the progressive gaming system host site
computer is maintained for the overall operation and control of the
progressive gaming system. In this embodiment, a progressive gaming
system host site computer oversees the entire progressive gaming
system and is the master for computing all progressive jackpots.
All participating gaming sites report to, and receive information
from, the progressive gaming system host site computer. Each
central server computer is responsible for all data communication
between the gaming device hardware and software and the progressive
gaming system host site computer. In one embodiment, an individual
gaming machine may trigger a progressive award win. In another
embodiment, a central server (or the progressive gaming system host
site computer) determines when a progressive award win is
triggered. In another embodiment, an individual gaming machine and
a central controller (or progressive gaming system host site
computer) work in conjunction with each other to determine when a
progressive win is triggered, for example through an individual
gaming machine meeting a predetermined requirement established by
the central controller.
[0109] In one embodiment, a progressive award win is triggered
based on one or more game play events, such as a symbol-driven
trigger. In other embodiments, the progressive award triggering
event or qualifying condition may be by exceeding a certain amount
of game play (such as number of games, number of credits, or amount
of time), or reaching a specified number of points earned during
game play. In another embodiment, a gaming device is randomly or
apparently randomly selected to provide a player of that gaming
device one or more progressive awards. In one such embodiment, the
gaming device does not provide any apparent reasons to the player
for winning a progressive award, wherein winning the progressive
award is not triggered by an event in or based specifically on any
of the plays of any primary game. That is, a player is provided a
progressive award without any explanation or alternatively with
simple explanations. In another embodiment, a player is provided a
progressive award at least partially based on a game triggered or
symbol triggered event, such as at least partially based on the
play of a primary game.
[0110] In one embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards are
each funded via a side bet or side wager. In this embodiment, a
player must place or wager a side bet to be eligible to win the
progressive award associated with the side bet. In one embodiment,
the player must place the maximum bet and the side bet to be
eligible to win one of the progressive awards. In another
embodiment, if the player places or wagers the required side bet,
the player may wager at any credit amount during the primary game
(i.e., the player need not place the maximum bet and the side bet
to be eligible to win one of the progressive awards). In one such
embodiment, the greater the player's wager (in addition to the
placed side bet), the greater the odds or probability that the
player will win one of the progressive awards. It should be
appreciated that one or more of the progressive awards may each be
funded, at least in part, based on the wagers placed on the primary
games of the gaming machines in the gaming system, via a gaming
establishment or via any suitable manner.
[0111] In another embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards
are partially funded via a side-bet or side-wager which the player
may make (and which may be tracked via a side-bet meter). In one
embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards are funded with
only side-bets or side-wagers placed. In another embodiment, one or
more of the progressive awards are funded based on player's wagers
as described above as well as any side-bets or side-wagers
placed.
[0112] In one alternative embodiment, a minimum wager level is
required for a gaming device to qualify to be selected to obtain
one of the progressive awards. In one embodiment, this minimum
wager level is the maximum wager level for the primary game in the
gaming machine. In another embodiment, no minimum wager level is
required for a gaming machine to qualify to be selected to obtain
one of the progressive awards.
[0113] In another embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality
of linked gaming devices in a gaming system participate in a group
gaming environment. In one embodiment, a plurality of players at a
plurality of linked gaming devices work in conjunction with one
another, such as playing together as a team or group, to win one or
more awards. In one such embodiment, any award won by the group is
shared, either equally or based on any suitable criteria, amongst
the different players of the group. In another embodiment, a
plurality of players at a plurality of linked gaming devices
compete against one another for one or more awards. In one such
embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality of linked gaming
devices participate in a gaming tournament for one or more awards.
In another embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality of
linked gaming devices play for one or more awards wherein an
outcome generated by one gaming device affects the outcomes
generated by one or more linked gaming devices.
Bidding Sequence
[0114] Referring now to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the gaming
system/method of operating a gaming system of the present
disclosure provides a bidding sequence wherein players bid on an
opportunity to participate in a bonus event. In one embodiment, the
gaming system includes a central server, central controller, or
remote host in communication with or linked to a plurality of
gaming machines or gaming devices which form a group. Another
embodiment of the present disclosure provides a gaming system
having a plurality of linked gaming devices where one of the gaming
devices functions as the central server or controller. It should be
appreciated that the gaming system can link any suitable number of
gaming devices, which can be linked locally, across an entire
casino, across multiple casinos, across an internet, an entire
country, a state, and multi-nationally. The terms central server,
central controller, and remote host, and the terms gaming machine,
gaming device, and gaming terminal are used interchangeably
herein.
[0115] In one embodiment, as illustrated by block 100 of FIG. 3,
the central controller determines an average expected payout for a
bonus event. For example, in one embodiment, the bonus event
includes a wheel having a plurality of sections, wherein each of
the sections is associated with one or more awards. The average
expected payout of the wheel is based on the awards associated with
that wheel. In one such embodiment, the wheel is a mechanical wheel
attached to the gaming device cabinet and the processor of the
gaming device causes the wheel to physically spin. In another
embodiment, the wheel is in video format displayed by a video
display device of the gaming device. It should be appreciated that
the wheel may include any suitable number of sections and the
sections may be any suitable size or shape.
[0116] In one embodiment, one or more section indicators are
associated with the wheel and each indicator indicates one of the
sections on the wheel after that wheel has been activated or spun.
In one such embodiment, each of the sections of the wheel has the
same or substantially the same probability of being indicated by
one of the indicators after the wheel has been activated.
[0117] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the table represents a wheel in
one example embodiment which includes 20 sections. Each of the
sections is associated with an award value and a probability of
being indicated. In the example of FIG. 6, each of the sections has
the same probability of being indicated in a spin of the wheel.
More specifically, each of the sections has a 1/20 or 0.05
probability of being indicated. The average expected payout of the
wheel is determined based on the award values and the probabilities
of being indicated associated with the sections of the wheel. For
example, section 6 is associated with an award value of 50 and a
0.05 probability of being indicated. Therefore, section 6 makes a
contribution of 2.5 to the average expected payout for the wheel.
The sum of all of the contributions made by each section to the
average expected payout equals the average expected payout for the
wheel. In this case, the average expected payout is 400.
[0118] In another embodiment, the bonus event includes a wheel,
wherein each of the sections of the wheel is weighted differently
to yield a certain average expected payout for the wheel. That is,
each section or a plurality of the sections on the wheel has a
different probability of being indicated by one of the indicators
associated with the wheel after the wheel is activated or spun.
[0119] As seen in FIG. 7, the table represents a wheel in another
example embodiment which includes 20 sections. Each section is
associated with an award value and a probability of being
indicated, but a plurality of the sections of the wheel have a
different probability of being indicated. For example, section 1 is
associated with an award value of 100 and a 0.06689 probability of
being indicated. Section 16 has an associated award value of 5000
and a 0.00334 probability of being indicated. The award value and
the probability of being indicated associated with each section
determine the contribution that that section makes to the average
expected payout for the wheel. Thus, section 1 makes a contribution
of 6.66896 to the average expected payout of the wheel, and section
16 makes a contribution of 16.72241 to the average expected payout
of the wheel. The sum of all of the contributions made by each
section to the average expected payout is the average expected
payout for the wheel. Accordingly, the average expected payout of
the wheel represented by the table of FIG. 7 is approximately
400.
[0120] After determining the average expected payout of the bonus
event, the central controller determines a target value at which
the central controller triggers the bidding sequence, as
illustrated by block 102 of FIG. 3. In one embodiment, the target
value is determined based on the average expected payout associated
with the bonus event. In one embodiment, the target value is
calculated and adjusted based on the type of bonus event and the
average expected payout associated with that bonus event. In
different embodiments, the target value at which the central
controller triggers the bidding sequence is predetermined, randomly
determined, determined based on the wagers placed in the gaming
system, determined based on the status of one or more players (such
as determined through a player tracking system), determined based
on time, or determined based on any other suitable method.
[0121] In one embodiment, the central controller maintains an
accumulated value pool for the gaming devices in the group. In
certain embodiments, the accumulated value pool funds all or a
portion of the bonus event. In one embodiment where the bonus event
is funded entirely by the accumulated value pool, the target value
is equal to the average expected payout of the bonus event. That
is, the accumulated value pool must be sufficiently funded to cover
the average expected payout of the bonus event. In one embodiment
where the bonus event is funded by the accumulated value pool and
the bid from the bidding sequence, the target value is equal to the
average expected payout of the bonus event, minus the average or
minimum bid, as will be discussed in more detail below.
[0122] Once a target value is determined, players at each of the
gaming devices place wagers to play a base or primary game, as
illustrated by block 104 of FIG. 3. In one embodiment, each of the
gaming devices of the gaming system includes a base or primary
wagering game, such as any of the primary wagering games discussed
above. It should be appreciated that each of the gaming devices in
the group may play the same primary game, or the primary games
could be different. In one embodiment, as the players place wagers
to play the primary games, the gaming devices fund the accumulated
value pool, as indicated by block 106 of FIG. 3.
[0123] In one embodiment, the accumulated value pool associated
with the group of gaming devices is funded using all or a portion
of player coin-in or the amount wagered to play the primary games
at the gaming devices. It should be appreciated that, in one
embodiment, even if the gaming devices play different primary
games, each gaming device contributes the same proportion of the
primary game wager, regardless of which type of primary game is
played, so that each gaming device contributes the same percentage
amount to the accumulated value pool.
[0124] Alternatively, the amount or portion of the wager allocated
to the accumulated value pool from each gaming device varies based
on other factors, such as the status of the player playing at that
gaming device. In one such embodiment, different players of
different player statuses have different portions of their placed
wagers contributed to the accumulated value pool. For example, a
bronze level player may have 7% of their placed wagers allocated to
the accumulated value pool and a gold level player may have 5% of
their placed wagers allocated to the accumulated value pool.
[0125] In one embodiment, the accumulated value pool accumulates
through coin-in chunks. In one embodiment, a coin-in chunk is a
total amount of coin-in from the end of a first time interval to
the end of a second time interval. In another embodiment, a coin-in
chunk is an amount of coin-in. For each collected coin-in chunk,
the amount of coin-in associated with the collected coin-in chunk
is added to the accumulated value pool.
[0126] In one embodiment, the gaming system utilizes player
tracking cards of a player tracking system to organize one or more
player's coin-in into the appropriate coin-in chunks. In another
embodiment, the gaming system utilizes a one or more processors to
track the amount of coin-in at one or more gaming machines in the
gaming system. In one such embodiment, the gaming system utilizes
one or more sub-controllers to track the amount of coin-in. In this
embodiment, each sub-controller is associated with a plurality of
gaming devices and each sub-controller collects coin-in data from
its associated gaming devices. This coin-in data is classified or
organized into one or more coin-in chunks.
[0127] In one embodiment, when a sub-controller creates a complete
chunk of coin-in (e.g., either after the end of a designated time
interval or when a designated amount of coins-in have been
accumulated), the sub-controller communicates the created chunk of
coin-in to the central controller. For example, for every 1000
monetary units of coin-in, a first sub-controller will create a
coin-in chunk and communicate the created coin-in chunk to the
central controller. In another example, every 30 seconds, a second
sub-controller will create a coin-in chunk of all the monetary
units wagered at the gaming devices associated with the second
sub-controller during the previous 30 second time interval and
communicate that created coin-in chunk to the central
controller.
[0128] In these embodiments, the gaming system collects coin-in
chunks over different intervals from either the individual gaming
machines, one or more sub-controllers or one or more
player-tracking cards (which are each individually associated with
a player). In one such embodiment, gaming machines are associated
with sub-controllers based on one or more factors including, but
not limited to, the denomination of the gaming machine, the type of
gaming machine, the location of the gaming machine, the
manufacturer of the gaming machine, the player currently playing
the gaming machine, a designated time period associated with the
gaming machine or any other suitable factor. For each collected
chunk, the gaming system tracks which gaming machines (or players)
contributed to the coin-in chunk and the amount of coin-in
contributed by each gaming machine (or player).
[0129] In one embodiment, the central server tracks amounts wagered
during each accumulation period. In one embodiment, an accumulation
period starts at the occurrence of a bidding sequence and ends at
the occurrence of a next or subsequent bidding sequence. For
example, when a bidding sequence is triggered, the accumulation of
amounts wagered for that bidding sequence immediately ceases, the
wagered amounts are stored or set, the accumulated value pool is
reset, and all further coin-in or wagers on the linked gaming
machines which subsequently occur are accumulated for triggering
the next bidding sequence. It should be appreciated that the exact
period of time of the accumulation period will vary based on many
factors, such as the rate of coin-in or wagered monetary units.
[0130] Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the central controller 56
tracks the play of the gaming machines 10a, 10b . . . 10z during
the accumulation period. The central controller 56 includes coin-in
or wager meters or counters 20a, 20b . . . 20z which respectively
individually track the wagers placed on the primary games for each
of the gaming machines 10a, 10b . . . 10z in the group. In one
embodiment, the central controller 56 includes an accumulated value
pool 62 which at least tracks the total coin-in or wagers placed on
all of the primary games for the gaming machines 10a, 10b . . . 10z
in the group. The individual gaming machine wager meters 20a, 20b .
. . 20z and the accumulated value pool 62 may track the wagers made
on the gaming machines in any suitable manner, such as in monetary
units. Tracking in monetary units enables two or more of the gaming
machines in the group to be of different denominations and also
enables the individual gaming machines to have multiple
denominations. In such embodiments, the monetary unit can be in the
lowest common denomination. In one embodiment, every gaming machine
of the system will also have a separate coin-in or wager meter.
This may or may not be displayed by the gaming machines to the
players.
[0131] As illustrated in FIG. 8A, the memory 60 of the central
controller maintains an accumulated value pool 62 and the wagered
amounts 20a, 20b . . . 20z for each gaming machine 10a, 10b . . .
10z in the group, respectively. In one embodiment, the accumulated
value pool 62 includes the total amounts wagered by the players of
the primary games for each of the gaming machines during the
accumulation period.
[0132] The example shown in FIG. 8A illustrates the gaming system
prior to the triggering of a first bidding sequence. The wagered
amount on gaming machine 10a during is 110 monetary units, the
wagered amount on gaming machine 10b is 77 monetary units, and the
wagered amount on gaming machine 10z is 33 monetary units.
Therefore, the accumulated value pool 62 includes 220 monetary
units, as illustrated in FIG. 8A.
[0133] In one embodiment, at the start of each accumulation period,
the accumulated value pool will be set to zero. Alternatively, the
accumulated value pool is not reset to zero at the start of an
accumulation period.
[0134] In one such embodiment, the accumulated value pool may start
out at a base amount. The base amount may be predetermined,
randomly determined, or determined based on any other suitable
method. In one embodiment, the base amount in the accumulated value
pool is funded from marketing dollars. That is, the accumulated
value pool is funded, in part, from an amount provided by one or
more marketing and/or advertising departments, such as a gaming
establishment's marketing department or a third party marketing
department. In another embodiment, the accumulated value pool may
be entirely funded by marketing dollars. These marketing dollars
are based on money set aside to attract players to the gaming
establishment.
[0135] In another embodiment, the accumulated value pool includes a
remainder at the start of an accumulation period. The remainder is
any unaccounted portion of the accumulated value pool from the
previous bonus event. For example, if the accumulated value pool
reaches the target value of 500 (i.e., the average expected value
of the bonus event), but the winning bidder only wins an award of
450 in the bonus event, there is a remainder of 50. That remainder
is applied to the accumulated value pool to help fund the next
bonus event. Thus, the accumulated value pool starts at 50. In such
an embodiment, the target value that the accumulated value pool
must reach to fund the next bonus event is equal to the average
expected payout of the next bonus event, minus the remainder, minus
the average or minimum bid.
[0136] Using this example and referring now to FIG. 8B, if a
remainder of 50 monetary units exists from a previous accumulated
value pool and the amounts wagered during the accumulation period
are the same as in FIG. 8A, the accumulated value pool 62 will
include 270 monetary units.
[0137] In another embodiment, at the start of an accumulation
period, the accumulated value pool includes a portion of winning
bids from previous bidding sequences, as will be discussed in more
detail below.
[0138] Referring back to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the central
controller determines whether the accumulated value pool is at or
above the target value, in connection with diamond 108. If the
central controller determines that the accumulated value pool is
not at or above the target value, the central controller continues
enabling players to place wagers to play the primary games, as
indicated by block 104.
[0139] If the central controller determines, in connection with
diamond 108, that the accumulated value pool is at or above the
target value, the central controller triggers the bidding sequence,
as indicated by block 110. In another embodiment, each linked
gaming device in a group builds its own accumulated value pool. In
this embodiment, once one of the gaming devices determines that its
accumulated value pool is at or above the target value, that gaming
device requests the controller to trigger the bidding sequence.
[0140] In various alternative embodiments, rather than triggering
the bidding sequence when the accumulated value pool reaches the
target value, the central controller triggers the bidding sequence
upon a separate or independent triggering event. In other words,
the bidding sequence may be triggered at other times or by other
triggering events, as will be discussed in more detail below.
[0141] As illustrated by block 112 of FIG. 3, once the bidding
sequence is triggered, the central controller enables each player
playing at a gaming device to place one more bids on an opportunity
to participate in the bonus event.
[0142] In one alternative embodiment, the bidding sequence occurs
prior to a future event, such prior to the triggering of the bonus
event. In one such embodiment, the players do not know when the
future event will take place. In one such embodiment, players bid
on the opportunity to play the bonus event prior to the bonus event
being triggered or becoming available. When the bonus event
actually occurs, the player who won the bidding sequence
participates in the bonus event. In such an embodiment, the winning
bidder continues playing on the gaming device until the bonus event
occurs.
[0143] In one such embodiment, the amount of the winning bid place
in the pre-bidding sequence impacts when the bonus event will take
place. For example, if the bonus event has an average expected
payout of 400, and 1% of player coin in is allotted to a bonus
pool, 40,000 must be wagered to fund the bonus event. If the
winning bid in the pre-bidding sequence is 200, that bid of 200
covers half of the expected bonus award. To fund the rest of the
expected bonus award, an additional 20,000 coin in is required. The
20,000 could come from all the gaming devices in the gaming system,
a plurality of the gaming devices in the gaming system, the gaming
device of player who won the pre-bidding sequence (through player
tracking), or any combination of the above (e.g., half from all of
the gaming devices and half from the winning bidder's gaming
device). It should be appreciated that higher winning bids cause
the bonus event to be provided quicker.
[0144] In one embodiment, rather than providing a bidding sequence,
the central controller enables players playing at the gaming
devices to place one or more side-bids during play of the primary
game. The player who places the highest side-bid or highest
accumulation of side bids during play of the primary game
participates in the bonus event once it is triggered. In one
embodiment, the side-bidding occurs on a separate display from the
primary game display. In another embodiment, the side-bidding
occurs on a separate part of the same display as the primary
game.
[0145] Referring now to FIG. 4A, in one embodiment, when the
bidding sequence is triggered, the players playing at the gaming
devices are provided with an indication, such as one or more
lights, messages, or any other suitable indication which visually
and/or audibly informs the players the bidding sequence is
initiating. As seen in FIG. 4A, the display devices 16 or 18 of
each of the gaming devices 10a, 10b, and 10c displays an audio,
visual, or audiovisual message 70 prompting the players to place a
bid to win the bonus opportunity.
[0146] In another embodiment, the players are provided with an
indication, such a messages or any other suitable indication,
before the bidding sequence is triggered. That is, the gaming
devices inform the players that the bidding sequence is coming up.
Thus, players are encouraged to continue playing at the gaming
devices to get the opportunity to participate in a bonus event.
[0147] During the bidding sequence, in one embodiment, the central
controller enables each player playing at a gaming device to place
one bid. In another embodiment, the central controller enables each
player playing at a gaming device to place a plurality of bids
during the bidding sequence. In one embodiment, each player's bid
is hidden from the other players until the bidding sequence is
over. In another embodiment, the bidding sequence occurs in real
time, and players' bids are revealed as they are made. In one
embodiment, the central controller provides a limited amount of
time for the bidding sequence. In one such embodiment, players may
place a plurality of bids within the provided time.
[0148] In one embodiment, if not enough players are playing at the
gaming devices, the central controller enables a player to bid
against the gaming machine during the bidding sequence rather than
competing against other players. In one such embodiment, the player
must bid above a designated level or threshold to win the
opportunity to participate in the bonus event. It should be
appreciated that the designated level or threshold that the player
must bid above may be predetermined, randomly determined, or
determined in any other suitable manner.
[0149] In one embodiment, there is minimum bid amount in the
bidding sequence (e.g., all bids must have a value of at least 10).
In another embodiment, bids must be placed in designated
increments, such as increments of 5. In one embodiment, there is a
maximum amount that a player can bid. That is, each player can bid
up to a limited amount. In one such embodiment, the amount that a
player has wagered on the primary game has an impact on the maximum
bid amount that that player can bid up to. In other embodiments,
the amount that a player can bid up to is randomly determined,
predetermined, or determined in any other suitable manner.
[0150] In another embodiment, the gaming system maintains a fixed
price at which the player may purchase the opportunity to
participate in the bonus event, instead of bidding for the bonus
event in the bidding sequence. In such an embodiment, once the
bidding sequence is triggered, one of the player's playing at a
gaming device can choose to pay the fixed price, and that player is
guaranteed participation in the bonus event. In one such
embodiment, the bidding sequence stops once a player chooses to pay
the fixed price. Alternatively, the bidding sequence continues, and
the other players continue placing bids in attempt to win the bonus
event for less than the cost of the fixed price.
[0151] In another embodiment, rather than the player determining
the amount of the bid or bids placed during the bidding sequence,
the gaming system calculates the amount of the bid for the player.
In one such embodiment, the player sets a maximum amount that the
player is willing to spend to participate in the bonus event. The
gaming device bids for the player in the bidding sequence up to
that specified maximum amount.
[0152] In another embodiment, the gaming system determines the
amount of the bid that the player can place in the bidding sequence
based on certain events that occur during play of the primary game,
such as a number of wins, a number of losses, the amount won, and
any other suitable events. In one embodiment, a bid meter keeps
track of the player's bid, and when the bidding sequence is
triggered, the player may place a bid having a value that is equal
to the amount displayed in the bid meter. In one such embodiment,
once the gaming device places the bid for the player, the credit
meter resets to zero. In one embodiment, for players who do not win
the bidding sequence (i.e., did not have the highest bid
accumulated in the bid meter), the bid meter does not reset. That
is, losing bidders keep the amount in the bid meter. Thus, the
bidder who is the second place bidder in the bidding sequence, is
the leader for the next bidding sequence.
[0153] Once the bidding sequence is complete, the central
controller determines which bid is the winning bid, as indicated by
block 110 of FIG. 3. In one embodiment, the winning bid is the
highest bid placed during the bid sequence. In this embodiment, the
player who places the highest bid participates in the bonus
event.
[0154] For example, referring again to FIG. 4A, the central
controller enables each of the players playing at the gaming
devices 10a, 10b, and 10c to place one bid in the bidding sequence.
There are three players participating in the bidding sequence
illustrated in FIG. 4A. Player A playing at the gaming device 10a
has placed a bid 80a of 100, Player B playing at the gaming device
10b has placed a bid 80b of 50, and Player C playing at the gaming
device 10c has placed a bid 80c of 125. Player C's bid 80c of 125
is the highest bid placed in the bidding sequence. As seen in FIG.
4B, the display device 16 or 18 of the gaming device 10c displays a
message 70 informing Player C that his bid is the winning bid and
Player C will participate in the bonus event.
[0155] In one alternative embodiment, multiple players can win the
bidding sequence. For example, the top 3 bidders may win the
opportunity to participate in the bonus event. In one such
embodiment, the number of players that will have the chance to
participate in the bonus event (i.e., the number of players that
can win the bidding sequence) is randomly determined,
predetermined, based on wager level, or determined in any other
suitable manner. In another embodiment, each player participating
in the bidding sequence who bids above a designated amount wins the
bonus event. In one such embodiment, the player who places the
highest bid in the bidding sequence, is provided with appropriate
compensation for placing the highest bid. For example, the highest
bidding player receives a rebate, a multiplier, a number of free
spins, or any other suitable type of compensation, wherein the
value of such compensation is substantially equal to the difference
between the highest and lowest bids.
[0156] Referring now to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the bidding
sequence of the present disclosure is run under a timer. In this
embodiment, the central controller provides a limited amount of
time during which the players may place their bids. As illustrated
by the table in FIG. 5, the controller provides a bidding sequence
wherein three players, Players A, B, and C, have thirty seconds to
place their bids on the opportunity to participate in the bonus
event. In this embodiment, each player may place a plurality of
bids within the thirty second time period in attempt to beat a
previously placed bid. When the thirty-seconds have elapsed, Player
B's bid of 100 is the highest bid placed during the bidding
sequence. Thus, the central controller determines that the bid of
100 is the winning bid and identifies Player B as the winning
bidder.
[0157] After the central controller determines which bid is the
winning bid, the winning bidder or bidders participate in the bonus
event, as illustrated by block 116 of FIG. 3. In some embodiments,
the bonus event is a game event, such as a progressive, a bonus
game, a free spin, a free game, or any other suitable type of game
event. The bonus event may be randomly determined, predetermined or
determined in some other manner by an implementer or designer of
the gaming system. In different embodiments, the size of the
winning bid determines the number of free spins provided to the
player in the bonus event, the number of lines active in the bonus
event, the size of the multiplier applied to the bonus event, or
any other suitable aspect of the bonus event.
[0158] In one embodiment, the player or players who place a winning
bid during the bidding sequence participate in a bonus event,
wherein each participating player wins an award. In another
embodiment, the players participating in the bonus event each win a
portion or percentage of an award, wherein the portion won is based
on each player's performance in the bonus event.
[0159] As indicated by block 118 of FIG. 3, the bonus event
provides a bonus award to the player, wherein the bonus award is
equal to, higher than, or lower than the winning bid. During the
bidding sequence, the players are bidding below what they think the
bonus event is worth. Thus, the player's feel as though they are
getting value for their money when they place their bids. It should
be appreciated that game operators will require the minimum bid for
the bidding sequence to be greater than the lowest possible award
in the bonus event. Since the bonus event may result in a bonus
award having a lower value than what the player paid to fund the
winning bid, this adds an element of risk to the bidding
sequence.
[0160] In one embodiment, in addition to winning the bidding
sequence, a player must place an additional wager to participate in
the bonus event. In one embodiment, the player must make a separate
side-wager on the bonus event or wager a designated amount in the
primary game to qualify for the bonus event. In this embodiment,
player must have placed the side-wager (or designated primary game
wager amount) when the bonus event is triggered for that player to
qualify to participate in the bonus event.
[0161] After the controller identifies the winning bidder in the
bidding sequence, the winning bid can be funded from a credit
meter, from a player's loyalty points, from a cash-in placed after
the bid, debited from a player's account, charged to a credit card,
or any other suitable form of payment. In certain embodiments, one
or more of these payment methods could be applied simultaneously or
substantially simultaneously to fund the winning bid. If cash-in
after the bid is used to fund the bid, in one embodiment,
appropriate time restrictions apply that award the bonus event to
the second highest bidder if the winner does not make payment
within the time window.
[0162] In one embodiment, a player may use bidding credits to fund
the bid. In one embodiment, bidding credits are accumulated based
on events that occur during primary game play. In different
embodiments, bidding credits are awarded to players based on player
coin in, time of play, player status, any other suitable aspect, or
any combination of the above. For example, in one embodiment,
bidding credits are awarded to players for obtaining designated
symbol combinations during play of the primary game.
[0163] It should be appreciated that players may not use bidding
credits to wager on the primary game. Bidding credits are used to
fund winning bids from a bidding sequence. Thus, if a high bidder
uses bidding credits to fund the bid, that player participates in
the bonus event at no cost. In one embodiment, bidding credits are
stored on the gaming device. In one embodiment, bidding credits
accumulated through playing the primary game are lost if they are
not used to fund a bid. Thus, some players may play the primary
game long enough to accumulate an amount of bidding credits that is
sufficient to cover the cost of a winning bid. In another
embodiment, bidding credits are stored on a player tracking card.
In one embodiment, if a player wishes to move from one gaming
device to another gaming device, the player can transfer any
accumulated bidding credits. In certain embodiments, bidding
credits expire, such as after a designated amount of time.
[0164] In one embodiment, the central controller applies the
winning bid from a previous bidding sequence to the accumulated
value pool that funds the next bonus event. Alternatively, the
operator sets a percentage of the player's winning bid that will be
refunded to the accumulated value pool and keeps the remaining part
of the player's bid as profit. In such embodiments, the target
value that the accumulated value pool must reach to trigger the
next bidding sequence (i.e., to be sufficiently funded to fund the
next bonus event) is equal to the average expected payout of the
next bonus event, minus the previous bid amount that is refunded
back to the accumulated value pool, minus the minimum or average
bid.
[0165] Referring again to the example of FIG. 5, if Player B's
entire winning bid of 100 is reallocated back to the accumulated
value pool to help fund the next bonus event, the accumulated value
pool for the next bonus event starts at 100.
[0166] Using this example and referring now to FIG. 8C, if a
previous bid of 100 is applied to the accumulated value pool to
fund the next bonus event and the amounts wagered during the
accumulation period are the same as in FIG. 8A, the accumulated
value pool will include 320 monetary units. Thus, the accumulated
value pool has a head start in meeting the target value, and the
gaming system may provide the next bonus event quicker. Providing
bonus events and awards quicker and/or more frequently increases
player excitement.
[0167] It should be appreciated that if there is a remainder in the
accumulated value pool, the remainder amount is also deducted from
the target value that the accumulated value pool must reach. In an
example where the accumulated value pool includes a bid from a
previous bidding sequence and a remainder from a previous bonus
event, the target value that the accumulated value pool must reach
to fund the next bonus event is equal to the average expected
payout of the next bonus event, minus the prior bid, minus the
remainder, minus the average or minimum bid.
[0168] In another embodiment, part of or all of the winning bid is
returned to the player. In one such embodiment, the bonus event is
funded by primary game play. After the bidding sequence occurs and
a winning bidder has been identified, the winning bidder receives
any bonus award from the bonus event which is funded by the
paytable, and the winning bidder receives part of or all of the
winning bid. For example, if the paytable allocates 300 dollars for
the bonus event, and the winning bidder in the bidding sequence
placed a bid of 100 dollars, the bonus event provides 400 dollars
to the winning bidder.
[0169] In one embodiment, players who participate in the bidding
sequence but do not place the winning bid are not required to make
payment on any losing bids. That is, losing bids are returned to
the players. In another embodiment, the central controller applies
one or more losing bids or portions of losing bids from a previous
bidding sequence to the accumulated value pool that funds the next
bonus event. In another embodiment, the losing bids are escrowed.
In one embodiment, the non-winning bidders are provided with a
consolation prize. In one such embodiment, non-winning bidders are
provided with a mini-bonus game.
[0170] In one embodiment, if the winning bidder overbids, or wins
the bidding sequence by placing a bid that is higher than the
average expected payout of the bonus, a portion of the winning bid
is returned to the player. For example, if the bonus event has an
average expected payout of 500, and a player wins the bidding
sequence with a bid of 600, that player has overbid by, on average,
100. In one such embodiment, a player who overbids is provided with
an additional bonus. In another embodiment, the over-bidder is
provided with a multiplier or an additional multiplier for the
bonus event. In yet another embodiment, the over-bidder is provided
with a flat rebate amount. In certain of the above embodiments, the
over-bidder receives some type of compensation that is
substantially equal to the amount by which the player has overbid.
In various alternative embodiments, the over-bidder receives only a
portion of the amount by which the player has overbid back. For
example, if a player has overbid by 100, that player may receive a
rebate of 50.
[0171] In one embodiment (not shown) where the bonus event includes
a wheel, the wheel is associated with a plurality of indicators. In
this embodiment, when the bidding sequence is triggered, the
central controller enables each of the players playing at a gaming
device to bid on one or more of the indicators. In this embodiment,
the accumulated value pool associated with the group of gaming
devices must be sufficient to fund an average expected value for
each available indicator. For example, if the average expected
payout for the wheel is 400 and the wheel has three available
indicators, the accumulated value must achieve a target value of
1200 to trigger the bidding sequence. In one such embodiment, once
the bidding sequence is triggered, each of the indicators has a
separate bid associated with it. Thus, one player may bid on and
win all the indicators associated with the wheel. Alternatively,
different players may each bid on and win a different indicator
associated with the wheel.
[0172] In one embodiment (not shown), each of the players playing
at a gaming device participates in the bonus event. In other words,
each of the players is guaranteed entrance into the bonus event and
is provided with a bonus award, regardless of the outcome of any
bidding sequence. In this embodiment, when the bidding sequence is
triggered, rather than bidding for the opportunity to participate
in the bonus event, the controller enables the players to bid on
the chance to obtain a multiplier to be applied to the bonus event.
In this embodiment, each player participates in the bonus event,
but the player who places the winning bid during the bidding
sequence wins the multiplier for the bonus event. In one such
embodiment, the players are playing the same or different bonuses
to which the multiplier is applied.
[0173] In another embodiment, the players bid on a plurality of
different multipliers to be applied to the bonus event. In one such
embodiment, the highest bidder wins the highest multiplier, and the
players who placed lower bids are provided with lower multipliers
corresponding to the value of their bids.
[0174] In one embodiment, each of the players participates in the
bonus game and gets a multiplier for the bonus event, regardless of
which player places the winning bid in the bidding sequence. In
this embodiment, the players are bidding on the opportunity to
enhance the multiplier by winning one or more additional
multipliers via the bidding sequence. In such embodiments, the
winning bidder in the bidding sequence wins one or more additional
multipliers for the bonus event based on at least one of: (i)
having placed the winning bid; (ii) the amount of the winning bid;
(iii) whether the winning bid is at or above a threshold amount;
and (iv) the winning bidder's wager level.
[0175] In another embodiment, the players bid on both the
opportunity to participate in the bonus event and one or more
multipliers for the bonus event. It should be appreciated that the
gaming system may include any combination of the above
embodiments.
[0176] In certain multiplier embodiments, in order to trigger the
bidding sequence, the accumulated value pool associated with the
group of gaming devices must be sufficient to fund the multiplier
of the average expected payout of the bonus event. In an example
embodiment, the bonus event is funded as part of the primary game,
and the bonus game has an average expected payout of 400. To
provide a 2.times. multiplier, the accumulated value pool must
achieve a target value of 400 to trigger the bidding sequence. In
this case, the average expected payout of the bonus event is 800
(i.e., 400.times.2) and an initial 400 is funded by the bonus game.
Alternatively, in an embodiment where both the bonus event and the
multiplier are funded by the accumulated value pool (i.e., there is
no contribution from the primary game), the accumulated value pool
must achieve a target value of 800 to trigger the bidding
sequence.
[0177] In one alternative embodiment, the bidding sequence occurs
in the middle of the bonus event. In one such embodiment, the bonus
event is a multi-stage bonus event. For example, one type of bonus
event may include a spin of an award wheel to generate an award
value, and a subsequent selection of a multiplier to be applied to
the generated award value. In this example embodiment, the bidding
sequence is provided after the player spins the wheel, but prior to
the selection of the multiplier. Thus, the players know the award
value, and are bidding for the opportunity to receive that award
value multiplied by the unknown multiplier. Once the bidding
sequence is complete and a winning bidder is identified, the
winning bidder picks the selection and reveals the multiplier that
will be applied to the known award value. In one embodiment, the
player who spins the wheel has earned the opportunity to spin the
wheel from playing the primary game. In one embodiment, the player
who earns the wheel spin receives the award value, but the award
value, multiplied by the multiplier is available only to the
highest bidder in the bidding sequence. In another embodiment, the
bidding sequence is available if the spin of the wheel generates an
award value above a designated threshold. In other words, a minimum
event must occur in order to provide the bidding sequence to each
of the players.
[0178] It should be appreciated that, in addition to triggering the
bidding sequence by sufficiently funding the average expected
payout of the bonus event, as described above, other suitable
triggering events or accumulation of triggering events from one or
more gaming devices can trigger the bidding sequence. Examples of
events which trigger the bidding sequence include symbol-driven
triggering events or other events based on game play and triggering
events that are random and independent of game play, such as a
randomized time or set time of day. In different embodiments, the
triggering event may be based on at least one of: (i) an amount of
time played collectively on the gaming devices; (ii) a random time
of the day; (iii) an amount of money wagered collectively on the
gaming devices; (iv) an amount of money lost collectively by the
gaming devices; (v) an amount of money won collectively by the
gaming devices; (vi) the size of the prior bid; (vii) the size of
the prior bonus award; (viii) upon an event or outcome occurring in
the primary game of one of the gaming devices; (ix) upon an event
occurring due to a shared random outcome generation; (x) any other
suitable triggering event; and (xi) any combination of the
above.
[0179] In one embodiment where a separate or independent triggering
event triggers the bidding sequence, the bonus event or a portion
of the bonus event is funded by the paytable. In one example
embodiment, the bonus event has an average expected payout of 200
and the accumulated value pool must reach a target value of 200 to
trigger the bidding sequence. When the independent triggering event
occurs, the accumulated value pool only has 100 and is, therefore,
not sufficiently funded to fund the bonus event. The central
controller enables the players playing at the gaming devices to
place one or more bids on the opportunity to participate in the
bonus event, and the paytable funds the additional 100 required to
meet the average expected payout of the bonus event. In alternative
embodiments, the bonus event is completely funded by the paytable
independently of the accumulated value pool. In such embodiments,
the accumulated value pool can continue to grow, rather than being
used to fund the bonus event, and the next bidding sequence may be
provided quicker.
[0180] In one embodiment, the game designer or implementer employs
minimum bid requirements in response to variations in how
frequently the bidding sequence is triggered. For example, in one
embodiment having a high frequency of triggering of the bidding
sequence, the game designer or implementer may require a high
minimum bid in the bidding sequence. In an alternative embodiment
having a low frequency of triggering of the bidding sequence, the
game designer or implementer may require a low minimum bid in the
bidding sequence.
[0181] In one alternative embodiment, an occurrence of a separate
bonus triggering event causes the central controller to determine
whether the accumulated value pool is large enough to provide the
bidding sequence. In one such embodiment, the triggering of the
bonus event occurs through a game play event, such as the
generation of a designated symbol or symbol combination or any
other suitable symbol-driven trigger, at an individual gaming
machine in the gaming system. For example, the central controller
may designated a symbol combination, such as 7-7-7, as a triggering
event. If one of the gaming devices in the group generates the
designated trigger of 7-7-7, that gaming device requests the
central controller to trigger the bidding sequence. It should be
appreciated that the central controller may designate any outcome
in the primary game as a triggering event. That is, winning or
losing outcomes in the primary game may be designated game
outcomes, which when generated, trigger the bidding sequence.
[0182] In another embodiment, the triggering of the bonus event
occurs independent of any game play event which may occur in any
primary game or any secondary game played at one or more gaming
machines in the gaming system. In one such embodiment, the
triggering of the bonus event occurs based on at least one
accumulated value progressive award incremented to a progressive
award hit value. In this embodiment, the gaming system includes one
or more accumulated value progressive awards or N.sup.th coin
progressive awards. Such accumulated value progressive awards are
driven by an amount of wagers placed or a suitable coin-in amount.
In one such embodiment, each accumulated value progressive award is
associated with a range of values, wherein each progressive award
will be provided to a player of a gaming device in the gaming
system when the progressive award increments to a progressive award
hit value within the range of values associated with that
progressive award. That is, when an accumulated value progressive
award increases to a determined progressive award hit value, a
triggering of the first bonus event will occur. In different
embodiments, the progressive award hit value at which an
accumulated value progressive award causes a triggering of the
bonus event to occur is predetermined, randomly determined,
determined based on the wagers placed in the gaming system,
determined based on the status of one or more players (such as
determined through a player tracking system), determined based on
time, or determined based on any other suitable method. In this
embodiment, after the accumulated value progressive award causes a
triggering of the bonus event to occur, the accumulated value
progressive award is reset to a default value and starts
incrementing from the default progressive award level.
[0183] In operation of one such embodiment, the central server
which hosts one of these accumulated value progressive awards: (1)
determines a minimum amount and a maximum amount for the
progressive award or prize pool, (2) provides that the progressive
award or prize pool starts at the minimum, (3) determines an
accumulated value progressive award hit value between the minimum
amount and the maximum amount, (4) increments the progressive award
or prize pool with a configured percent of coin-in, and (5) causes
a triggering of the bonus event to occur when the progressive award
or prize pool equals the determined accumulated value progressive
award hit value. In this embodiment, the accumulated value
progressive award hit value is determined at random to maintain
fairness for the players at the gaming devices in the gaming
system, wherein the players are not aware of any determined
accumulated value progressive award hit value.
[0184] In another embodiment, the triggering of the bonus event is
based on time. In this embodiment, a time is set for when a
triggering event will occur. In one embodiment, such a set time is
based on historic data. For example, if previous bonus event
triggers have occurred after approximately sixty-seven hours, a
bonus event may be set to trigger sixty-seven hours from the
conclusion of the previous bonus event. In one embodiment, a
suitable algorithm is implemented to determine the player who
wagered at or closest to this time with tie-breaking based on any
number of factors (e.g., player tracking history, amount of or
recent wagers placed). In this embodiment, the gaming device which
the algorithm determined wagered closest to when the bonus event
triggered is designated the triggering gaming device. In another
embodiment, one of the gaming devices which placed a wager during a
designated time period is randomly selected and designated as the
triggering gaming device.
[0185] In another such embodiment, the triggering of the bonus
event is based on a predefined variable reaching a defined
parameter threshold. For example, the bonus event is triggered when
the 500.sup.th different player has played a gaming machine
associated with one of the progressive awards (ascertained from a
player tracking system). In different embodiments, the predefined
parameter thresholds include a length of time, a length of time
after a certain dollar amount is hit, a wager level threshold for a
specific machine (which gaming device is the first to contribute
$250,000), a number of gaming machines active, or any other
parameter that would define a threshold for the progressive.
[0186] In another embodiment, the triggering of the bonus event
occurs after a random number of plays in which a progressive award
is not provided to a player. In another embodiment, the triggering
of the bonus event is based upon gaming system operator defined
player eligibility parameters stored on a player tracking system
(such as via a player tracking card or other suitable manner). In
another embodiment, the triggering of the bonus event is based upon
gaming system operator defined player eligibility parameters stored
on a player tracking system (such as via a player tracking card or
other suitable manner).
[0187] In another such embodiment, the central controller
determines, in cooperation with the gaming device, when to trigger
a bonus event by utilizing one or more random number generators. In
this embodiment, the central controller determines when to trigger
a bonus event by determining if any numbers allotted to a gaming
device match a randomly selected number. In one such embodiment,
upon or prior to each play of each gaming machine, a random number
is selected from a range of numbers and during each primary game,
the gaming machine allocates the first N numbers in the range,
where N is the number of credits bet by the player in that primary
game. At the end of the primary game, the randomly selected number
is compared with the numbers allocated to the player and if a match
occurs, that particular gaming machine triggers a bonus event. It
should be appreciated that any suitable manner of triggering the
bonus event may be implemented with the gaming system disclosed
herein.
[0188] In another alternative embodiment, only players playing at
gaming devices which are in active status are enabled to
participate in the bidding sequence. In one embodiment, the central
controller determines the status of the gaming devices in the
gaming system and provides zero, one or more players playing at
gaming devices which are in active status a chance to participate
in the bidding sequence. In this embodiment such determination is
based, at least in part, on the status of each of the gaming
devices in the gaming system. In one embodiment, the status of one
or more gaming devices in the gaming system as either enrolled or
inactive status or active status determines whether the player
playing at those gaming devices are eligible to participate in the
bidding sequence. The central controller determines that a gaming
device is in active status, and thus provides the player playing at
that gaming device a chance to participate in the bidding sequence,
based on one or more criteria as described below.
[0189] The enrolled or inactive status means that the gaming device
is one of the linked gaming devices in the group, but is not being
actively played by a player during a bidding sequence qualification
period (i.e., when the central controller is determining whether to
cause the triggering of the bidding sequence). A gaming device may
be classified as enrolled status for several reasons. For example,
no player may be playing the gaming device. In another example, a
player could be playing the gaming device (i.e., by having credits
on the gaming device), but be playing too slowly or be interrupted
during play. In this case, the player could have credits on the
credit meter of the gaming device, but the player has not made a
wager on a primary game or otherwise qualified to participate in
the bidding sequence.
[0190] The active status means that the gaming device is being
actively played by a player during a bidding sequence qualification
period. In one embodiment, actively playing during a bidding
sequence qualification period means that the player is playing the
primary game of the gaming device (i.e., placing wagers on plays of
the primary game) at least at a predefined minimum rate during a
predefined time period. For example, the gaming device may be in
active status when a player has made at least one play of the
primary game in a fifteen second period prior to the triggering of
the bidding sequence. In this example, the bidding sequence
qualification period is that fifteen second period prior to the
triggering of the bidding sequence.
[0191] In another embodiment, the active status is alternatively or
additionally based on the amount wagered on the plays of the
primary game during a bidding sequence qualification period. In a
further alternative embodiment, the determination of the active
status is based on a designated minimum number of plays of the
primary game or number of wagers on the primary game in a
designated time period. The determination of active status may take
into account other factors such as interruptions or displays in
play of the primary game such as caused by the triggering of other
game events or the operation of other secondary games of the gaming
devices. In another embodiment, a gaming device can only be
determined to be an active gaming device if an additional wager,
such as a side-bet or side-wager, is made by a player at a gaming
device of the group for one player of a game, a plurality of plays
of a game or all plays of a game in a designed period of time, such
as a designed time period. It should be appreciated that a gaming
device is classified as active based on any one or more suitable
parameters or criteria as determined by the implementer or operator
of the gaming system.
[0192] In another alternative embodiment, a minimum wager level is
required for a player to qualify to participate in the bidding
sequence. In one embodiment, this minimum wager level is the
maximum wager level for the primary game in the gaming device. This
requirement is in addition to the requirement that the player be
playing at an active gaming device to participate in the bidding
sequence. Another method for determining if the gaming device is
active is whether or not the player has wagered a minimum level of
monetary units since the occurrence of the last bidding
sequence.
[0193] It should also be appreciated that one or more additional
statuses may be employed. For instance, a gaming device will be in
a participating status if an individual player playing the gaming
device is a certain level player, such as a premier level player.
Thus, only players of certain levels participate in the bidding
sequence. This could be determined via a player tracking system or
other player identification system. In one embodiment, the minimum
bid required in the bidding sequence is set lower for higher level
players.
[0194] It should be appreciated that other criteria can be used to
determine if a gaming device is in the participating status. It
should be further appreciated that when a gaming device is in the
participating status, the gaming system automatically treats the
gaming device as an active gaming device for purposes of the other
determinations including eligibility to participate in the bidding
sequence.
[0195] In one embodiment, the bidding sequence is independent of
the primary game. In one such embodiment, each gaming machine in
the gaming system provides one or more locally controlled primary
wagering games (i.e., controlled by the gaming machine or
processor) and also provides the bidding sequence which is
controlled externally, such as by a remote host.
[0196] In one embodiment, the local processor enables a player to
wager on a play of the primary game, generates a primary game
outcome for the play of the primary game, causes part of the
display device to display the play of the primary game, and
receives at least one request from the remote host to provide the
bidding sequence on the display device, if the bidding sequence is
triggered. If the request to provide the bidding sequence is
received, the local processor is programmed to accept the request
to provide the bidding sequence and enables the remote host to
cause a portion of the display device to display the bidding
sequence, wherein the bidding sequence is displayed simultaneously
with the play of the primary game. In one embodiment, the gaming
device includes a separate display dedicated or substantially
dedicated to providing the bidding sequence.
[0197] In one such embodiment, the gaming system enables one or
more players at one or more gaming machines to interact with the
gaming machine and/or the remote host via a customizable interface.
In one embodiment, one or more aspects of the customizable
interface are associated with functions performed by the remote
host and one or more aspects of the customizable interface are
associated with functions performed by the gaming machine. For
example, in one embodiment, one aspect of the customizable
interface is associated with the bidding sequence which is
performed by the remote host, and one aspect of the customizable
interface is associated with the primary game which is performed by
the gaming machine. This configuration enables the primary game and
the bidding sequence to be performed by different processors at
different locations to be simultaneously displayed to the player,
thus enhancing the player's gaming experience.
[0198] It should be understood that various changes and
modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described
herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes
and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its
intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and
modifications be covered by the appended claims.
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